When people talk about Jason Gilliam in Helena, Montana, they usually don't lead with his job title at the Montana Department of Transportation. They talk about "Gilly." They talk about the guy who owned the Marysville House and somehow remembered exactly what you were drinking, even if you hadn't stepped foot in the place for six months. He was one of those rare people who actually listened when you spoke.
Sadly, the Helena community lost Jason on May 30, 2025. He was only 46. For a man who seemed larger than life—a state wrestling champion, a college football standout, and a quadruple-major graduate—his passing left a massive hole in the capital city. If you've lived in Helena for more than a minute, you probably saw his influence everywhere, from the sidelines of youth sports to the halls of state government.
From the Bitterroot to the Carroll College Saints
Jason Gilliam didn't start out in Helena. He was born in California but moved to Corvallis, Montana, as he was hitting those awkward middle school years. Montana stuck. It fit him. He wasn't just a student at Corvallis High; he was a powerhouse. In 1997, he finished his senior year as an undefeated state wrestling champion. He also set records in weightlifting that stood for years.
He stayed in-state for college, heading to Carroll College in Helena. This is where the legend of Jason Gilliam Helena MT really began to take shape. He was a center for the Saints football team, earning an academic and football scholarship. Most people struggle to pass a single major. Jason? He walked away with four: Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, and Economics. He was the guy who carried a 4.0 GPA while being the strongest person in the weight room.
The Marysville House and the MDT Years
In 2003, Jason took a bit of a detour into the hospitality world by purchasing the Marysville House. If you know Marysville, you know it’s a town with deep roots and a lot of character. For ten years, Jason was the heart of that establishment. He had this unexplainable gravity. People just wanted to be around him. He met Shauna Simpson there in 2004, and they spent over two decades building a life together in the Helena area.
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After selling the Marysville House in 2013, Jason focused his professional energy on the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). He spent 17 years there. By the time of his passing, he was serving as the Right of Way Bureau Chief.
It wasn't just desk work for him. Jason was often the face of the department in legislative meetings. He testified before the Transportation Interim Committee, explaining complex rules about outdoor advertising and land acquisition with the same calm, positive attitude he brought to the football field. He was the kind of colleague who made a 9:00 AM Monday meeting feel a lot less like a chore.
A Legacy Beyond the Resume
Honestly, the statistics and the career milestones don't tell the whole story. You have to look at his family and his community impact to get the full picture of Jason Gilliam Helena MT. He was a father to Tristyn and Jadyn, and he was the kind of dad who coached every team and mentored every kid who needed a hand.
The community saw his strength in 2020 when his son, Tristyn, was in a severe car accident. The "Tristyn Gilliam Support Fund" saw an outpouring of love from Helena, showing just how much the family meant to the town. Jason was a fighter, but he fought for other people. He was known for standing up for those who didn't fit in and protecting the people he loved.
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What Jason Gilliam Taught Us About Montana Grit
There are a few things we can learn from how Jason lived. He didn't just show up; he excelled. Whether it was helping area ranchers change irrigation pipes or managing multi-million dollar state projects, he had an "unmatched work ethic."
- Multitasking is a myth, but mastery isn't. He didn't just dabble in economics; he mastered it along with three other fields.
- Presence matters. People remembered him because he remembered them.
- Community is built on the sidelines. He spent his weekends coaching and cheering, not just for his kids, but for the whole "Bruin" family.
Jason Gilliam was a man of the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and snowboarding were his therapy. He loved the Bitterroot Valley and the mountains surrounding Helena. He was a "Saint" in the Carroll College sense, but also in the way he treated his neighbors.
Remembering Jason Gilliam in Helena
If you're looking to honor the memory of Jason Gilliam, the best way is to live a bit more like he did. He was a man who worked hard, never asked for anything in return, and stayed positive even when things were tough.
The Celebration of Life held at the Carroll College PE Center in June 2025 was a testament to his reach. Hundreds of people from all walks of life—government officials, former teammates, and Marysville locals—showed up to say goodbye to "Gilly."
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To truly appreciate the impact of a life like his, consider these local avenues for connection:
- Support Carroll College Athletics: Jason was a proud Saint (FTD). Supporting the programs that helped shape him is a great way to keep that spirit alive.
- Engage with Montana's Outdoors: Jason was vocal about hunting regulations and land use. Stay informed on Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposals to ensure the land he loved remains accessible.
- Be a Mentor: Whether it's coaching youth sports or helping a coworker at the MDT, Jason’s biggest legacy was his willingness to share knowledge.
Jason Gilliam’s story isn't just a biography; it's a blueprint for how to be a part of a community like Helena. He was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left Montana better than he found it.
Actionable Insights for the Helena Community
If you find yourself inspired by Jason’s career and community path, here are a few ways to engage with the Helena legacy he left behind:
- Career in Public Service: Explore opportunities at the Montana Department of Transportation. Jason showed that you can have a high-level technical career while maintaining a "human-first" approach.
- Local History: Visit Marysville. While the ownership has changed over the years, the spirit of the community Jason helped foster remains.
- Wrestling and Weightlifting: Support local high school sports programs in the Helena and Corvallis areas. These programs are where the "unmatched work ethic" Jason was known for is first cultivated in the next generation.
The mark Jason Gilliam left on Helena, Montana, is permanent. He was a reminder that you can be the smartest person in the room and the most humble at the same time. He was, quite simply, one of the best of us.
Next Steps: You can learn more about the Carroll College Saints football program or check the Montana MDT website for current public projects that Jason worked on to see the tangible results of his 17-year career.