'Lover Of Words': Celebration Of Life Set For Stafford Teacher

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The Stafford Township community is mourning the loss of intermediate school teacher, Timothy James Rogers.

Rogers, 57, died March 6 from a brief illness at his home in Barnegat, according to his obituary.

As a teacher, writer and artist, he connected with many students and colleagues throughout his career.

He grew up in the Deer Lake Park neighborhood of Manahawkin and graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1982.

He began his teaching career in 1997 as a 5th grade teacher at the Stafford Intermediate School. He was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2002.

Rogers is remembered as a dedicated educator with an unwavering focus on pupils over policy, according to his obituary.

He spent his free time with family, especially his mother, often watching old westerns together.

“Unbeknownst to many, he created a vast collection of intricate, delicate and colorful pieces of art. While many people devote their lives to career achievement and to acquiring money and things, Rogers was a passionate seeker and lover of beauty, words and truth, always delighting in the possibility of unraveling the mysteries of life,” his obituary says.

Rogers is survived by his mother Adele C. Rogers, his sister Beth Ann, his brothers Christian and Steven, and his niece Willow Grace. He was predeceased by his father Charles D. Rogers.

Family members, colleagues and former students will honor him during a celebration of life at the gazebo on Manahawkin Lake on April 17 at 1 p.m.

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