James Forrest Kozul of Fairmont, WV has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
What you read below is one part of a life lived with quiet purpose.
James spent his working life as ['Diebold and Lefebure banking systems and finished his career with ADT security'] and held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Belief, when lived, becomes a kind of inheritance.
James "FORREST" Kozul, 67, of Fairmont, WV passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026 with his family by his side at United Hospital Center.
He was born in Fairmont on August 11, 1958 a son of the late Robert L and Shirley Kozul.
Forrest married the love of his life Becky Paugh Kozul, on April 22, 1989 just having celebrated 37years.
Also surviving are his son Austin James Kozul and daughter-in-law Alisha of Shinnston; brother Robert Kozul Jr and sister-in-law Shelia of Chatsworth, GA; niece Maresa Hoffmaster (Ben) of Fairmont; nephew Robert A Kozul (Kara) of Fairmont, and great-nieces Angelina Hoffmaster and Adalynn Kozul both of Fairmont.
Forrest was blessed with several close family friends considered to be family.
Forrest was a 1976 graduate of East Fairmont High School and a member of the Busy Bee Band. He graduated with his Radio Engineering License from Radio Engineering Institute in Fairfax, VA. He was an avid car audio enthusiast and won several best of show awards locally and nationally on the car audio circuit. He was featured in the national Car Audio magazine with one of his award-winning vehicles.
Forrest worked for Diebold and Lefebure banking systems and finished his career with ADT security.
Forrest attended First United Methodist Church in Shinnston serving as sound tech and trustee. He was a member of the Tygart Lake boat club where he enjoyed summers on the water with those he loved the most. You would always find Forrest in the garage working on various projects and sharing his knowledge and tools with those around him.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 2:00PM-8:00PM. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11:00AM with Rev. Michael Burge officiating. Interment will follow at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at harmerfuneralhome.com
A service of Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.
