Beloved Bountiful Junior High teacher dies; friends, former students share tributes

BOUNTIFUL, Utah, Jan. 5, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Bountiful Junior High English teacher collapsed and died Thursday after swimming at the city’s recreation center.

Those whose lives he touched are leaving tributes on the Facebook page of Jason Coyle, 42, whose photos document his life as a beloved teacher, father of four and avid amateur athlete.

“Jason was such a fun and caring man,” one Facebook poster said. “I am so glad to have known him and terribly sad that his life was cut so short.”

“I loved being one of your first home teachers in the 9th ward,” another wrote. “I loved how you projected your gregarious (your word, of course) personality on me.”

“He is one of the finest people I know,” wrote another.

“He was so fun and full of life,” a poster said.

“We love you so much Jason Coyle and will miss your booming laughter, the twinkle in your eye and your giant bear hugs,” another friend wrote. “We will also miss your epic photobombing skills! You leave a huge hole in our hearts!”

Coyle was swimming when he began to feel ill, and he went to the locker room, according to family accounts, and he collapsed and died. Coyle was a triathlete who seemed to be in perfect health, his friends say. The death caught everyone off guard.

A friend has set up a GoFundMe account, with the following tribute:

“Jason Coyle was an amazing husband and father of four children. He was an amazing English teacher at Bountiful Jr High. He was a loyal friend. He would entertain any room he was in and he was a friend to everyone he met.

“Jason passed away doing something he loved, swimming. More details to come on exact  cause of death. He will be missed by everyone he came in contact with. Everyone is better for having met him.

“At the age of 42, Jason leaves behind a wonderful wife Anita and four amazing children Indiana (12), Oliver (8), Oscar (5) and Owen (2). We are hoping to cover all of the funeral costs and to help this wonderful family in their time of grief and sorrow.”

A Jason Coyle Memorial fund also has been set up at America First Credit Union, under account number 9107186.

Funeral services have been set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the LDS Stake Center at 695 S. 200 East, Farmington. Viewings will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Russon’s Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St., Farmington, and at the Stake Center from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. For updates, check Coyle’s Facebook page.