A man who has Amherstburg roots is now doing big things in Montana.
James Ouellette was named one of the recipients of Southwest Montana’s 20 Under 40 award winners. The award recognizes young professionals making significant contributions to their communities.
Ouellette grew up in Amherstburg and moved to the United States in 2017 when he originally worked for a local government in Indiana. By 2021, he said he was “ready for a change of scenery and headed west, taking a seasonal winter job as a nighttime security officer at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. After that very awesome (but very cold) contract ended, I realized how much I missed local government work, which led me to resume working in local government here in Montana.”
Ouellette now serves as the Safety and Civil Rights Coordinator, as well as the Deputy Emergency Manager for the City-County of Silver Bow.
“It’s truly an honor to know my work is making an impact in the community. While I’m thankful for the award, what really stands out to me is knowing that I’m making a difference,” he said. “Growing up in Amherstburg, I saw firsthand how individuals could create meaningful change within their own communities. That’s why I’ve always chosen to work at the local government level, rather than at the state or federal level. There’s a personal connection when you know the people, walk the streets, and use the services you’re helping to improve.”
Ouellette has fond memories of living in Amherstburg and said he got his start in public service here.
“Amherstburg was a place where you could always feel a sense of safety and community, whether getting coffee at Downtown Espresso or taking a walk around Navy Yard Park. There was always a familiar face,” he said. “I started my journey in public service 15 years ago, teaching CPR and first aid at the Lions Pool, and that experience laid the foundation for the work I do today. Now, I provide OSHA training and am responsible for certifying and training our city and county staff in CPR, first aid, and safety protocols.”
Ouellette is following in the footsteps of his father Jim, a former Amherstburg fire deputy chief.
“My father is my best friend and my hero. Growing up, he always involved us in activities at the fire department and in the community, whether it was helping with checking the lights on the fire trucks, volunteering at our Catholic parish, St. John the Baptist, or riding in the Santa Claus parade. He always made sure we were involved in our community. Watching him dedicate himself to helping others inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” said Ouellette. “The fire department had a tight bond, with a deep sense of purpose that connected them, and I feel that same connection in my work today. As the Deputy Emergency Manager and Safety and Civil Rights Coordinator, I rely not only on my education and FEMA training but also on the work ethic and sense of service I learned from my father and the first responders I grew up around.”
Ouellette said he heard he was nominated for the award but since he didn’t grow up in Montana and that there were a lot of applicants, he didn’t think too much of it. He added. The nomination had to go through a selection process by The Montana Standard and Chamber of Commerce groups, made up of prominent leaders in that area, so he wasn’t expecting to hear anything.
“When I found out I had been selected, I was genuinely surprised and humbled, especially to learn that multiple people from this community had nominated me,” he said.
Volunteerism is something he is involved with when not at work.
“I’m actively involved in several organizations that advocate against the opioid epidemic and promote HIV prevention. As a certified opioid public health crisis trainer and HIV advocate, I work to advance health equity and harm reduction services,” he said. “I am an appointed member of both Montana’s Health Equity Research Assembly and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ HIV Prevention Planning Group. Our mission is to ensure that harm reduction services, HIV and STD testing, and public health initiatives are adequately funded, accessible, and equitable.”
Ouellette said he is also passionate about community theatre and the performing arts. He regularly participates in theatre productions and drag performances.
“As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, I make it my mission to ensure that queer people feel safe, supported, and included in our community,” he said. “I share my life here with my partner, Clayton, a dedicated conservationist and advocate for fish and wildlife, and our two dogs. Together, we are committed to public service and contributing to the welcoming spirit of our chosen home.”
A lot has changed in Amherstburg from when he grew up, Ouellette added.
“When I visited Amherstburg last year, I couldn’t help but notice how much had changed from the little town I grew up in. Seeing it thrive and grow made me proud, but I also understand, through my work in local government, how challenging change can be. It’s about finding a balance between embracing growth and holding on to the values that built our community,” he said. “Yet, through all the changes, what stands out is how the people remain the same. The warm smiles, the welcoming spirit, and the work ethic we learned from our parents, just as they learned from theirs—those things are still very much present. As long as we continue to keep that sense of community alive, honor the memory of those who helped shape Amherstburg, pass those values on to future generations, and hold our elected officials accountable, the spirit of Amherstburg will continue to thrive.”
Ouellette added: “That’s the heart of Amherstburg, that’s who we are, and that’s who I am—not because of where I grew up, but because of who I grew up Former Amherstburg resident names wins presigious award in Montana
By Ron Giofu
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