Jason Glen Gilliam “Gilly”, of Helena, Montana, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 46.
Born in Carmicheal, California, on December 19, 1978, to Jerry and Judith (Owens) Gilliam.
Jason attended elementary school in Orangevale, California. He spent his early childhood trying every sport and activity available. He was very competitive. Most days you could find Jason and his older brother Jeremy daring each other to ride skateboards and bikes off the diving board in their family pool.
As Jason’s middle school years approached, the family moved to Corvallis, Montana. Montana was home for Jason. He loved the outdoors and made many memories hunting and fishing with his father and brother. Summers were spent at Lake Como on the family boat water skiing and knee boarding. During the winter he spent time at Lost Trail skiing and snowboarding. Jason was a natural athlete and fell in love with wrestling, football, and weightlifting, and these carried on the rest of his life.
He attended Corvallis High School, graduating in 1997. He won the State wrestling title his senior year with an undefeated season and still holds records for weightlifting and wrestling. Jason loved to learn. From his very early days he was an exceptional student and carried a 4.0 throughout all his schooling. During this time of his life he started working his first jobs, including helping area ranchers change irrigation pipes and working at the Darby Lumber mill. Jason had a work ethic that was unmatched. He worked hard for everything he had and never asked anyone for anything.
After high school Jason attended Carroll College on an academic and football scholarship where he played center. He was very proud to be a Saint (FTD). Jason holds a college weightlifting record. In 2002, he graduated top of his class with a quadruple major in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, and Business Management. Jason loved Carroll College, and he made many lifelong friends that will forever hold a special place.
In July 2001 he married Trish Filek. They welcomed son Tristyn Gilliam in 2003 and daughter Jadyn Gilliam in 2004. Tristyn and Jadyn were his world, and he loved them more than anything. While at home he was the best dad that any kid could ask for, but he didn’t stop there, he was a mentor, father, coach, and friend to any kid that crossed his path.
Jason bought the Marysville House in 2003 and sold it in 2013. Jason was exceptional at everything he did, including making a drink. He made you feel welcome at the Marysville House, remembering your name and if not, remembering what you drank. People gravitated towards Jason in an unexplainable way. In 2004, Jason met Shauna Simpson at the Marysville House, and they spent the next 21 years building a beautiful life together.
Jason worked for the Montana Department of Transportation for the last 17 years. He worked very hard and was proud to be part of the MDT family, making many lifelong friendships.
He was friends with people from all different walks of life. Jason was always looking out for others, even at a young age he stood up for women and those who didn’t always fit in. He would do anything for those he loved. Words on the page are just words, but to feel the way Jason loved was something that the words just don’t do justice. He was a fearless leader, a wonderful friend, and someone you could count on.
Though there are many unwavering qualities that Gilly possessed, he would want you to check in on your people, never quit, and remember that “every day is a good day.”
He is survived by his wife Shauna Simpson, son Tristyn Gilliam, and daughter Jadyn Gilliam.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 14th in the Carroll College PE Center from 12:00 to 3:30 pm. Opening remarks will begin at Noon in the Gym with a reception to follow in the Loendorf Room. Refreshments and sweet treats will be served. Gilly loved a sweet treat, and we invite you to bring something to share if you would like.
Please submit photos for the Celebration of Life here: The Celebration of Life for Jason Gilliam – DropEvent
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00pm to 3:30pm
Saturday June 14, 2025
Carroll College PE Center
1601 N Benton Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday June 14, 2025
Loendorf Room- Carroll College
1601 N Benton Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
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Rick Fisher says
It was an absolute privilege to get a chance to work with Jason. His work ethic, his kindness and his dignity have made a lasting impression on me. My sincere condolences and my heart is with you at this difficult time.
Nick Carrell says
I had the privilege of playing with Gilly at Carroll and coaching Small Fry football with him when Tristyn and my son, Will, were young. He was the type of friend that you could go a decade without seeing and the minute you saw him, it seemed like no time had passed. He would do absolutely anything for his friends and those he loved with no thought of what was in it for him. A truly devistating loss to all who knew and loved him. My prayers go out to him, his family and loved ones. I’ll see you again, brother.
Jamie Landon-Maas says
Although I had the pleasure of working with Jason for only a short time, he made such and impression on me. His kind nature and infinite wisdom was so very motivating. My heart goes out to his family for their loss, as well as to everyone who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. He is sorely missed, yet deeply respected.
Misty Eslinger says
I went to Corvallis High School with Jason. He had a kind soul. Sorry everyone’s loss. Prayers to his family.
Stacey Smith and famiily says
Sending love, light and prayers to Shauna, Tristyn & Jaydn!
Cherish memories in your heart, they are memories of a lifetime…
Robin Auchterlonie says
So many fond memories of Jason. All the fun and laughter at the Marysville House. You will be missed, “Gilly.” My sympathy. Robin Auchterlonie
PAMELA Chavez says
Jerry,Judy,Jeremy and Jason’s Family
Sooo VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, our ❤️,’s
Break for U ALL. Our prayers of strength for U all.
Although we have only seen u1 time since u moved out of Corvallis I have thought of u all often.
You,Jerry an boys were AWESOME family to get to know. Pamela & Ben Chavez and Family
Sally Russell says
I am very sorry for your loss. Jason was an awesome man who cared for all he met. He loved his family dearly
I was so fortunate to work with him. RIP MY FRIEND. 💔🙏💔
Kathleen says
Shauna, Tristyn, Jadyn and family
We are so very sorry about Jason. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Bradley Nelson says
Jason was so welcoming and helpful to me when I started work at MDT. He (and his kids) helped me with a construction project at my house soon after I started work at MDT. They helped break up a concrete driveway at my house. What a day that was. He was so giving with his time. I am thankful to have been among his “MDT friends”. Brad and Sandy Nelson
Tim & Konnie Wilson says
We had gone to a local tax preparation in Helena, to have our taxes done. Jason asked us if we were by chance related to his wife, Shauna… Yes! . His eyes lit up ! We talked for over an hour. This was a few years before our Family reunion in the Sapphire Mtn’s.
We send our heartfelt condolences to you, Shauna, Trystyn and Jaydyn. You are in our prayer’s.