James Kozlowski

Jim Kozlowski, 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed at Mount Carmel Hospital Thursday, October 2nd,2025. He was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota by Alex and Bernice Kozlowski.

He is survived by devoted wife of 62 years, Karen (Groves) Kozlowski, son, Scott (Jane) Kozlowski and daughter, Wendy (Jeff) Kempfer. Grandchildren include Katie (Tyler) Baker, Sarah (Michael) Ellsworth and Matt (Amogha) Kempfer. Great grandchildren include Graham, Emmett, and Madelyn Baker. Sister-in-law Peg Van Wyngarden and brothers in law Bill (Rana) Groves and Haukur Hazen. Nephews, Philip (Colleen), Brian (Beth) Van Wyngarden, J.P. Owens, Phil Groves (deceased) and nieces Debra Groves, and Tracey Vincent.

After moving to Whitehall, Ohio with his family, Jim was a graduate of Whitehall Yearling High School in 1959. He served the Army National Guard in Minnesota and later the Air Force National Guard in Columbus, Ohio at the Rickenbacker Air Force Base.

Jim was employed by Western Electric (later AT&T and finally Lucent) for 37 years, first in maintenance and then as a production control analyst. After the creation of I.B.E.W 1612 he served as Vice President and President.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, biking, boating, snorkeling, and fishing the waters of Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio. He also enjoyed both bowling and later the game of golf. He loved all manner of music and enjoyed dancing as well.

Jim married Karen in Brookwood Presbyterian Chapel on August 24th, 1963. Later he joined the church’s Mariners’ Clipper Ship, a married couples group making lifelong friendships. He enjoyed Indian Guides with Scott and Indian Princesses with Wendy. Later he supported Scott’s Boy Scout Troop 68 as treasurer. He was active in Walnut Hills and later Brooksedge Homeowner’s Associations as President and Treasurer.

Jim and his family have been members of Unity (formally Parkview) Presbyterian Church 6969 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, Ohio for over 50 years.

Friends will be received Friday, October 24, 2025 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Unity Presbyterian Church, 6969 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, Ohio where his funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will be officiated by Rev. Andrew Smith.  A meal will be shared after Jim’s service in the fellowship hall.  
 

The family expresses their gratitude to the caregivers of Mount Carmel hospice and hospital. 
 

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church or to an animal shelter of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Kozlowski, please visit our floral store.