John Dargan Rogers Jr.

John Dargan Rogers, Jr. passed away on November 29th, at his home in Beaufort, SC.
He was born in Columbia, SC to the late Eileen Smith Rogers and John Dargan Rogers, Sr. John attended public schools in Columbia from elementary to high school, graduating from Dreher High School in 1959. He had watched the older boys in the neighborhood go to the Citadel and he had won the “Marksmanship Award” at The Citadel Summer Camp for Boys. So, the Citadel was his first choice, until that first night when the shadow of window bars covered his bed. John called his father the next morning, admitting that he had made a huge mistake. His father told him that it was fine; they would discuss it more after he finished his first year. John did graduate from the Citadel in 1965 with a B.A. in History. He also went back for his M.A.T. in Education, graduating in 1973. John spent 48 years in education as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator. Of these 48 years, 11 were in public schools and 37 were at Thomas Heyward Academy as Headmaster. He retired from THA in 2013. Through his integrity and encouraging discipline, he set a fine example for all to follow. John impacted the lives of so many students, because they knew he truly cared. John loved coaching football, basketball, and tennis. He loved playing tennis in a somewhat unorthodox manner – he could switch hands, which often confused his opponents, and his partners in doubles. In later years he took up golf, somehow losing a few clubs along the way. Basketball was his first love, even shooting hoops as late as this summer. His professional and community affiliations include: South Carolina Education Association, National Elementary Principals Association, National High School Principals Association, South Carolina Independent School Association, Palmetto Association of Independent Schools, Lions Club, Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County Cancer Crusade (Chairman), Palmetto Leadership, Rotary Club, Beaufort/Jasper Water Sewer Authority, and the Board of Visitors of Kanuga Episcopal Conference Center. John received many honors throughout his life: Teacher of the year (Ridgeland High School 1967), Coach of the Year (Ridgeland High School 1968), Coach of the Year (Thomas Heyward Academy 1978), SCISA Athletic Committee Member (1979, 1992, 1994), President of SCISA Headmaster’s Association (1982-83, 1983-84), Palmetto Association of Independent Schools Board of Directors (1982), SCISA Academic Committee (1984-85), SCISA Board of Directors (1984-85), SCISA Educational Leadership Award (Headmaster of the Year Award 1988), SCISA Finance Committee (1992), SCISA Executive Committee (1992), and the Sergeant Jasper Award (2014).
John had three daughters with his first wife, Rita Elizabeth Lowther (deceased). He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanne Aimar Rogers; his daughters, Elizabeth Allyson Rogers (Richard), Jennifer Rogers Tosky (Kenneth), Kimberly Dargan Rogers (Robert); his grandchildren, William Coulter Payne Bergmann (Kelley), Isabel Lide Cleland (Aaron), Wyatt Hamilton Wagner; step-grandchildren, Erin Scott, Danielle Seagle (Daniel), Austin Tosky, Gabrielle Tosky. John is also survived by six great grandchildren: Bennett Scott, Elena Scott, Camden Seagle, Callen Seagle, Alexsandra Tosky, and Amelia Elizabeth Cleland. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Priscilla Aimar Trask, Pamela Aimar Kinsey, Amelie Aimar Cromer (Phil) and brother-in-law Charles Schley Aimar, Jr. (Ginger). John is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be Thursday, December 7, 3:30 pm, Parish Church of St. Helena.
Following the service, a reception will be held at the home of Phil and Amelie Cromer.
Memorials may be made to Thomas Heyward Academy or a charity of one’s choice.
Please share your thoughts and stories about John by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com
Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Rogers family with arrangements.