Jason James Lay, age 59, of Helena

In the early morning hours of January 1, 2024, Jason took his last breath with his sister Vicki holding his hand and brother Bruce close by his side. Jason’s last days were spent in the Comfort Care Room at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT. Several of Jason’s family and friends were able to visit in the days leading up to his passing. Jason had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer only a week or so before and he had hoped to start chemotherapy soon, but strokes from having blood clots traveling to his brain, took away that opportunity and much of Jason’s cognitive function. We know he was still able to hear the prayers of comfort and heartfelt messages of love until the end. Most importantly of all, Jason knew that Jesus was waiting to carry his soul home, he looked forward to that as his faith had never been stronger. Jason was 59 years old.

Jason Lay was born in Pierre, South Dakota on January 20, 1964 as a birthday present to his mom, Janice,  it was also her birthday. He was the third child of James and Janice Lay. In kindergarten, his family moved to St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The winters were cold and snowy and Jason learned to skate on the hockey rink down from the family home. A few years later the family packed up and moved to Glasgow AFB where his parents took jobs in a civilian project, yet Jason loved living on an Air Base with all the military personal and occasionally aircraft landings and shows. Days were spent riding bikes through the abandoned foundations of homes long gone, going to the twenty five cent movie matinees, bowling, and going to the base gym. In his 7^th grade years, the family moved to Helena, MT. This is where Jason ended up calling “home” from that point on. He was a Helena High Bengal and made lifelong friends with his classmates, who many remained loyal friends.

Jason ventured off to college in 1984 and headed to the University of Montana. Jason received a Bachelors Degree in Political Science in 1988.  For many who knew Jason, this political science degree was just years of study to prepare him for his very opinionated discussions over the political landscape of our country with whomever he could get to engage in those “discussions” in the years to come! While at the U of M, Jason was an active member of the Army ROTC.

Jason was enlisted in the National Guard from June 1985 to October 1995. While enlisted, he did UH-1 Huey Helicopter maintenance with the 163^rd AC. After he was commissioned with the 1063^rd engineering company as an engineer. He attended armor office school and finished his time as a combat engineer with the 163^rd armor brigade as a Captain. Jason received many recognitions and honors during his service. He also made the most of the time spent in special training programs across the country to explore the hills of Kentucky to immersing himself in the magnificence of our nation’s capital, Washington DC’s, history. Jason was able to visit his sister Vicki, near Chicago several times during breaks from the trainings, and even met her, along with her family in Pennsylvania for one of the most beautiful Thanksgivings they had together. The trees were bursting with splashes of every color imaginable and they were able to take long walks admiring all of God’s splendor.

Jason spent the last 25 years as a tradesman, becoming skilled in hanging drywall and painting, and an overall “Handyman”. In the past 10 years, he focused on painting restoration for many of the historical homes in Helena. His work, gave new life to the old, run down buildings which make up much of what Helena’s past represents.

Jason dabbled in wood carving, and made several wood plaques reflecting Montana’s majesty and even made a few signs for his family residences. He had incredible patience and focus for such hobbies, and lately took up building models for airplanes,(something he enjoyed as a young boy!). He also loved his Harley motorcycle which he he got from his brother, Bruce, it was mostly a, “labor of love”, as it sat more than it ran! Jason did love to go fishing and went hunting every season, mostly with his good friend, Lance…not sure of their successes, but they never gave up! Jason also loved to hit the slopes skiing ,(mostly when the aches and pains didn’t hurt as much.!)He also enjoyed playing pool and had his own pool table and was active in pool league. There was also a time in his life when he followed professional basketball and his hero was “Dr. J”, Julius Irving. He had the opportunity to see him play a few times. Jason also admired the great Michael Jordan and was able to witness his talent in action while on visits to Chicago while visiting his sister. Then he was a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings Football team, from the days of Fran Tarkenton, to Kirk Cousins…he never lost hope!

Jason was a very intelligent man, and an avid reader from a very early age. Once the internet came into being, he was then hooked on endless hours of reading in that forum as well. He had strong thoughts and opinions, and not everyone agreed with those…but Jason never let those disagreements stop him from loving all, and that is a certain truth.

Jason’s family was so important to him and we will miss “ Uncle Jay” more than words could even describe.

Jason is survived by; his older sister, Vicki Schwarz(Quentin)of Livingston and their sons, Tristan, Austin(daughter Lauren), and Dustin(Sarah and children Siella and Sawyer); older brother Bruce(Pam)of Livingston and their son Sterling.

Cheryl Lay(stepmother) of Helena.

Along with his Aunt Linda of Orange County, CA and several cousins.

Jason is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Janice Christine Klarich who heartbreakingly passed away just a few months ago and his beloved father, James Oren Lay who passed away in August of 2020. He dearly missed his parents and the grief was still yet new in his heart.

Last but not least…his sweet Bear dog who had a hold on Jason’s heart, went across TheRainbow Bridge last year, and Holly dog who became his companion this past summer,(and now a part of his dear friend Lance’s family).

Jason’s family wishes to thank all who loved and cared for our brother, the comments on his FB page announcing his passing, private messages, texts, e mails…were and are so comforting to our hearts. Jason was so ready to meet his Heavenly Father and knew he would sooner than what was expected…his last few days before becoming incapacitated were filled with him sharing his faith with others in a loving way…it is what he believed with all his heart and soul…” I am going to heaven to be with Jesus and I want to see you there too because I love you and Jesus does too”                                                                                                            Jason Lay

Come join his family and friends in a celebration of his life to be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue Helena, Montana 59602. A lite reception will follow in the funeral home.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

2:00 PM

Friday January 12, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Avenue

Helena, Montana

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Reception

Immediately following the Celebration of Life

Friday January 12, 2024

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

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