James S. Kozlowski

MONROE – James Steven Kozlowski passed away on February 3rd at the Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte Florida surrounded by his three children and family. Jim was born on June 8th 1929 in Toledo, Ohio to Steven and Francis (Drouillard) Kozlowski. Jim graduated from Monroe High School in 1947. He then continued his education in Indianapolis at Butler University’s Jordan School of Music where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. Indianapolis was a special place for Jim because it was there while at Butler University that he met the love of his life, Janet(Oakley). They were married on April 5th 1951 in downtown Indianapolis at Christ Church. They were married 66 years. Jim proudly served his country in Korea from 1951 to 1953 in the Army’s 25th Infantry Division. After his tour of duty in Korea, he began his teaching career in Wakarusa, Indiana while at the same time earning his Masters Degree in Music from Notre Dame University. While at Wakarusa, he started the music program culminating with his High School band winning the State Championship for Marching Bands. He moved his family to Monroe in 1960 and began teaching the instrumental music program for grades 4 -12 at Jefferson Schools. At the same time, he began working with his parents to develop their fledgling business, Stevens Furniture. As the success of the furniture store increased, it required him to end his teaching of music but certainly not his love of music. He then focused on the store with his parents and brother Jack until the store was sold in 1990. Following a brief retirement after the furniture store was sold, Jim took classes at MCCC and had a fulfilling and successful time selling real estate with Century 21. He also, through the years, along with his wife Janet bought and co-managed Harbor Marine for several years with their sons Tom and Grant. And up until recently he was involved with his son Grant’s business, Water Boy Systems in Ida as an advisor. Away from his successful career, he had two major passions, music and boating. He had the pleasure of playing in Army bands, dance bands, one year with a circus band and finally playing with and enjoying the friendship of the Monroe Big Band. He was a member of the Monroe Boat Club since 1971 and served as Commodore in 1977. He also was the President of district 9 International Order of the Blue Gavel, an organization of past Commodores that promote the development of boating. In addition he was a member of the Monroe Lodge 884, Loyal Order of the Moose, VFW and American Legion organizations of Monroe. To cherish his memory he leaves three children: Debra (Paul) Drinkhahn, Tom (Sue) Kozlowski, Grant (Danielle) Kozlowski: eight grandchildren, Karrie Drinkhahn, Kristie Drinkhahn, Kellie (Iyan) Adewuya, Jason (Mary) Kozlowski, Ashley (Bobby) Barron, Cody (Katie) Kozlowski, Cori Kozlowski, Caylee Kozlowski and three great grandchildren, Deborah and Theodore Adewuya and Addison Kozlowski. Also cherishing their time together is his dear and loving companion of the past several years, Linda Holland Foshag. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janet and his brother John(Jack). Friends may gather at the Bacarella Funeral Home, Monroe, MI, Tuesday February 10, 2026, from 3-8 PM. A Blue Gavel Service will be held at 7 PM. Funeral service will be held on February 11th at 11 AM at the funeral home. Internment service to follow at St Joseph cemetery The family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Monroe County, PO Box 1457, Monroe MI 48161.

James S. Kozlowski

June 8, 1929 - February 3, 2026