Mr. James “Jay” John Kozel was born on July 3, 1967, to the late William Peter Kozel and Theresa Marie Wesloski Kozel in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the 9th of 10 children.

After high school, Jay joined the US Navy. He was a chef and became an executive chef after leaving the Navy. Jay had a mind of his own and tried several occupations before landing a job at Collins Aerospace.

Jay was born and raised Catholic. He was looking for a church to call his own and one day went to worship at St. John’s Baptist Church. There he found his church family. Under the leadership of Bishop Larry Spates, he became a deacon.

Jay traveled all over the world in the Navy. He lived in several cities before moving to Winston-Salem and meeting and marrying his wife, Renee, whom he called the love of his life.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael Kozel.

Jay is survived by his wife, Renee; three children, Zachary, Leila, and Aaron (Bry); bonus daughter, Marian; four grandchildren; four brothers, William (Jean) Kozel, Richard (Tanya) Kozel, Kennith (Mindie) Kozel, and Thomas Kozel; four sisters, Theresa (Michael) Kozel, Alice Kozel, Linda (Arthur) Lader, and Diane Kozel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 12noon Monday, June 8, 2026 at St. John Baptist Church. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Monday at the Church.