Gerald "Jerry" Joyhn Cozort, 81, of Mendon, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by loving family. He was born on August 1, 1942, in Coloma, MI, to the late Lowell N. and Edna F. (Stuart) Cozort. In 1980, Jerry married the love of his life, Pamela "Pam" S. Foote, in Elkhart.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Pam, of Mendon, MI; children, Christopher (Marisa) Cozort, of San Jose, CA, and Sara Elizabeth (Eric Stoffl) Cozort, of Union, MI; grandchildren, Miles, Donovan, and Max; dear friend, Jacob Hayward; beloved dogs, Bella, and Bentley; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances.

In accordance with Jerry's wishes, cremation has been chosen. Services for Jerry will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Billings Funeral Home with visitation from 3 PM to 6 PM and a celebration of life gathering to immediately follow at 6 PM. Sueann Von Gunten of Hively Avenue, Mennonite Church will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in honor of Jerry, whether monetary or in the form of pet supplies, go to Dogtown Resort, 11925 Co Rd 10, Middlebury, IN 46540.

Jerry managed the body shop for Heart City Toyota in Elkhart for 18 years until his retirement. In addition to his work as a body shop manager, Jerry accomplished and experienced much throughout his life, earning the title of 'the connoisseur of many things'.

Jerry possessed an entrepreneurial spirit which led him to start his own business through Jerry's Automotive Emporium. He also was an innovator, creating universal flight pads for RC planes and helicopters, an invention sold internationally even to this day.

Jerry worked to perfect the roasting and brewing of coffee, passing on these skills to his children and inspiring Sara and her fiancé Eric to create their own business, Xpress Coffee. He also apprenticed under John Alder as a wine connoisseur, tasting wines from all over the world.

Jerry shared a variety of passions with his wife Pam and his children, as they raced cars, sailed boats, notably circumnavigating the Florida Keys, and travelled around the country for over six years in an RV.  He also enjoyed designing and crafting pocket knives.

Jerry was an avid gardener, with a specialty in growing garlic. He recently grew and prepared four beds of garlic to plant at the end of this October; the harvest will be shared with family and friends this coming July.

Jerry will be remembered as a mentor to many. He was generous, grateful, and always saw the best in people. He will be deeply missed.

Dogtown Resort
11925 County Rd 10, Middlebury IN 46540
Tel: 1-574-849-0844
Web: https://www.facebook.com/DogtownResort/