Jason M. Beckman

He was born March 14th, 1973 in Gowanda, New York. A proud graduate of Canisius University, he taught Physical Education at Amherst Central Schools for 29 years. Jason was passionate and accomplished in the world of football, both as a player and a coach. He was a standout high school football player at Gowanda and went on to play quarterback as an honors student at Canisius University. Jason began his high school coaching career at Amherst, and spent time coaching at Canisius and Tonawanda before returning to Amherst where he spent the last 14 years as Varsity Head Football Coach. Jason was also a beloved Varsity Bowling Coach at Amherst High School, having previously bowled a 300, and sent multiple players to the NYS Bowling Championship. He proudly coached his daughters travel softball team for 7 years. Jason was the recipient of the 2019 & 2021 Legacy Builder Coach of the Year award and was honored by the Buffalo Bills in 2020 for high school Coach of the Week for Week 4, adding to a long list of coaching accolades. He also dedicated his time to the Western New York football scene as a volunteer by keeping stats for sectional championship games for over 15 years.

Jason married the love of his life on August 9th, 2002. Together, they raised their three children, and built a life full of love while being present in one another’s lives.

Jason was an avid fisherman, cook, boater, photographer, traveler, painter, hiker, handyman, 4 time neighborhood cornhole champion, coach, friend, and family-man. He loved spending his time outside in nature, capturing its beauty, all while being surrounded by those that he loved. His positive attitude, generous spirit, and calming presence will be deeply missed.

Jason is survived by his wife of 23 years, Lori; their children Justyn, Hannah, and Madison; his stepparents, Cora and Jimmy; his brother and sisters, Aaron, Michelle, JoAnn, Jayme, Rosella, and Lynn; and many beloved family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Denise Beckman.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 12th, 2025, at the Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road in East Amherst from 1:00-5:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 13th at St. Mary’s Church, 6919 Transit Rd., Swormville at 12:00 pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jason’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jason’s memory to the Movember Foundation at https://movember.com , the National Park Foundation at https://www.nationalparks.org or the Amherst Varsity Football Program - three causes close to his heart.