Teacher, coach dies on July 20
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - A young teacher and coach at Jackson Memorial High School was remembered this week as a dedicated educator.

Joshua Bygott, 29, of Toms River, who taught special education classes for the past two years, died July 20.

Jackson Board of Education President Marvin Krakower said, "I knew his father and mother and it was a terrible loss for the family of the young man. I knew some of the kids who had him and he was very dedicated to them."

Bygott was the son of Jackson's former assistant superintendent of schools Francis X. Bygott, who died in 2003, and Lynn D. Bygott, who survives him.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities at JMHS, Bygott was also an assistant coach of track and football. During the summer he was a lifeguard at Seaside Park and at Normandy Shores. He held a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master's degree from Jersey City University.

Born in Flemington, Bygott had lived in Toms River since the age of 2.

In addition to his mother, Lynn D. Bygott of Toms River, he is survived by his girlfriend, Signe Lockwood of Toms River; his brother, Stephen Bygott, and his wife, Shannon, of Leesburg, Va., his brother, Christopher Bygott, and his girlfriend, Colleen Mullen, of Toms River, his sister, Jacquelyn Bygott, and her boyfriend, Gary Perle, of Toms River; two nephews, Dylan Bygott and Michael Bygott, and a niece, Emily Bygott.

A funeral service was held last night at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, Toms River. Cremation was private. Contributions may be sent to the Francis X. and Joshua P. Bygott Scholarship Fund c/o Jackson Township Board of Education 151 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson 08527.

In a message posted on the school district's Internet Web site, Jackson administrators informed the community that there are a number of resources available to any student or staff member who needs assistance in this situation. The Web site www.jacksonsd.org has made available a list of resources to students and staff. Parents and guardians may use these resources to help their children.

Any parent, guardian or student who would like more information or assistance from a member of the district's crisis team may call the guidance office at Jackson Memorial High School, (732) 833-4626.