Jack Gilliam

Jackie Dean Gilliam, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after a well-fought battle from open-heart surgery.

Jack gave 37+ steady, loyal years of his life to SuperValu, building a career the same way he built everything else, with grit and pride. He was a proud American who served four years in the United States Army, and that sense of duty never left him. When he wasn’t working, you could find him on a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks, fishing, camping, cutting firewood, or tending a fire just to sit back and watch it burn. He loved card games, music, good stories, and giving out nicknames, especially if it meant he could tease you a little along the way. Jack had a presence you couldn’t miss, cruising around the Southside on his side by side like he owned it, earning the nickname White Lightning, and somehow never getting pulled over, because who in their right mind would stop an 80 year old man enjoying the ride? He lived boldly, laughed loudly, and left a mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will carry his stories, his laughter, and his spirit with them always.

Jack is survived by Jackie (Tina) Gilliam II, Larry (Teresa) Gilliam, Ashley Rhiner Gilliam, Austin (Loren) Gilliam, Nicole (Anthony) Vacco, Jackie "J.D." Gilliam III, Vido, Hudson, Vini, Sonny, Oliver, Valento, and Vanni.
Jack came from a family of nine with two surviving sisters, and a loving friend, Martha Ross.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Gilliam, mother, father, and six siblings.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery after the funeral.

In memory of Jack, we invite you to wear anything red, white, blue, USA, or Trump.

Go Trump!

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

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