Beginner Gardening: Is this jade plant dead?, 1 by DeadNotSleeping

DeadNotSleeping wrote:
Hello,

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post. I'm very new to all this gardening stuff so I thought the beginner section would be best.
A while ago my friend realized her cacti/succulents weren't doing so well. To my knowledge, they hadn't been getting enough sun or water. I just got into gardening and I have a gardening store near my house (Stein Gardens and Gifts) with people who are very knowledgable so I offered to watch over them and see if they're dead or if there's anything I can do.
There were 3 types of cacti. One of them was confirmed dead at the store. He said the golden barrel (if that's what it is) looked alright and it didn't look like it had bugs. The guy there said that the jade plant might be able to be saved because there was still some green on it. He said there were bugs on it too. Because these plants have sentimental value, he said that I could take the dried out parts on, put it on a wet paper towel or wet soil and see if the roots came out. If it did, he suggested I use this product called Eight to get rid of the bugs.
This is the fourth day I've had them. The jade plant has been on a paper towel that I've regularly changed because it got cold after a while. I just moved it to a thing with wet soil but in the process a lot of the big leaves came out. I'm worried that it may be already dead. The man at the store said the chance of saving it is slim but I thought I'd bring it up to you guys.
I did see a bug on it too. It was a small white flat thing. He told me I should wait until the roots come out if I'm going to treat them but I'm afraid the plant won't get better, being as as small as it is now, with them on it. Are there any gentle ways I can get the bugs off but keep the plant okay?
I'm just wondering what to do. The pictures of the jade plant with the rocks around it was taken earlier this week (monday) and the pictures of it with the soil were taken today (friday). I also attached a picture of the golden barrel to see what you guys think about it.
Thanks!