James “Papa Jim” Cozart, age 80, of Lawrenceburg, TN passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN. He was a native of Westpoint, TN, retired from Murray Ohio, a retired constable, and a member of United Church. He was also a member of Davy Crockett Long Hunters Club and enjoyed teaching about Davy Crockett to the school kids. He enjoyed the outdoors and researching genealogy. Mr. Cozart served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era and also served in the Tennessee National Guard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Foster and Mary Sue Stephenson Whitsett; his wife, Brenda Clifton Cozart; two daughters, Rita Cozart and Cricket Cozart Barney; and five brothers, Glenn Cozart, Tom Cozart, David Cozart, Delbert Cozart, and Kenneth McClaren.
He is survived by two sons, Jamie Cozart (Delores) of Lawrenceburg, TN and Matt Cozart (Joye) of Minor Hill, TN; six grandchildren, Blake Cozart (Andrea), Tyler Cozart (Meleah), Makenna Mentz (Mike), Meah Cozart (Graham), Becca Staggs (Josh), and Cody Polk; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 1:00 PM Friday, October 9, 2026, with Steven Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN with full military honors.
