Jason Damion Gilchrist, 53, went home to be with his Lord on January 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his fight, he displayed a strength and determination that astonished family and friends. Even while undergoing treatment, he continued to work, maintain close friendships, and work in his garden with his beloved bulldog Rocko always by his side. Until the very end, he faced each day with grit, courage, and unwavering resolve.

Known by many names throughout his life, he was called Damion by his mother and during his school years, Jason by coworkers, and Jocko by his closest friends and family. It is as Jocko — the name spoken most often with love — that he will be remembered.

Jocko was born on January 9, 1973, in Colfax, Washington, to Charles and Dolores Gilchrist. He was raised in Washtucna, Washington, alongside his older brother, Jeffrey Gilchrist. Jocko grew up in a loving family and community. He attributes his teachers for steering him towards being so successful throughout life. Jocko loved spending time with his family and friends and has many fond memories of camping, hiking, fishing and biking. Jocko’s childhood home in Washtucna was the place to be after school, with his mother caring for many kids in the community. He had a special bond with his family that was rooted in music, love and adventure.

From an early age, Jocko excelled in athletics. In high school, he shined on the football field. His strength and athleticism earned him the nickname “Jocko,” first given by his father when he was just three years old. Jocko was also in the HS band, was in Boy Scouts, FFA and was deeply involved in the communities where he lived and worked.

He graduated from Washtucna High School in 1992 and from Arizona Institute of Technology in 1994 with a degree in Automotive Technology I, earning a 4.0 GPA.

After graduation, Jocko returned home and farmed locally before beginning his construction career with Schumann Excavating, working side by side with owner Ritch Schumann for ten years. He later worked for Michels Pipeline, traveling across multiple states — from Montana and California to Utah and Illinois — forming lifelong friendships built on grit and respect.

Jocko and Jo met in 2014, and their connection was immediate. They married on October 10, 2020, on their farm and in Jocko’s newly built shop — a special place that symbolized the life they built together. Jocko and Jo’s love story is full of adventure, with many weekends spent traveling, driving back roads, listening to music and supporting kids and grandkids in their many hobbies.

Jocko became a devoted father to Clay and Libby. When he came into Libby’s life at age 10, he became her protector, mentor, and biggest cheerleader. They called each other “Bud Bud” and could often be found in the shop with Metallica playing at full volume. He was so proud of Clay and Suzy as they married, purchased and remodeled a home, and built a strong, loving life together. Jocko cherished every milestone.

His greatest joy was becoming Papa Jocko to Bo, Lindy Jo, and Charlie.

Outside of work, Jocko loved his bulldog Rocko, gardening, woodworking, grilling, music, and his restored 1964 Impala. He was a collector of antiques, loved reloading, and was an avid outdoorsman, with a love of hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and biking. Music was Jocko’s love language that started early with his parents, as a drummer in high school, and then as a DJ, providing music and karaoke in Ritzville and at many weddings. Jocko always had a new song for you to listen to and had five more loaded behind that one.

Jocko formed so many friendships throughout his life. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you got all of him. The phone calls, the texts, the sharing of music and the funny stories he would tell. He loved life, loved his friends and loved his family with all his heart.

In November 2024, even while fighting cancer, Jocko began working for the Washington State Department of Transportation as a snowplow driver, quickly earning a full-time position. Jocko loved making connections and quickly developed deep friendships with those he worked with. Jocko was driven by performance, loved to make a difference, and thrived around people and the friendships he made.

Driven. In work. In love. In faith.

He is survived by his mother, Dolores Gilchrist; brother, Jeffrey Gilchrist; wife, Jo Gilchrist; children Clay (Suzy) Rutherford and Libby Swiger; and grandchildren Bo, Lindy Jo, and Charlie. Brothers and sisters, Charles “Donnie” (Jennie) Gilchrist, Michelle (Jeff) Nikolas and Jean (Rob) Gaddy. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Donald Gilchrist III, Uncle Michael Gilchrist, cousin Anthony Gilchrist and nephew Dustin Gilchrist.

Services will be held February 28th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Ritzville, followed by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Hall. Danekas Funeral Home is caring for the family.