James Eric Cozby, 49, of Denton, passed away on January 14, 2021. He was born on March 1, 1971, in Harbor Beach, Michigan to James Alton and Wanda Sue Cozby. He graduated from Denton High School in 1990, where he made many lifelong friends. He was a highly energetic and creative "pretty cool dude" who liked skateboarding, playing guitar, drawing, and writing. He was talented with computers, and he most enjoyed his time spent working in that field while living in California where he started a family. He had a pleasant spirit and the gift of wit, but as many know, also suffered greatly from alcohol addiction, and was given his terminal diagnosis during the past year. He left a "COZMONOT" manifesto of sorts in which he explained that he knew his life choices had led to his exit at half-time from what he noted was a "fantastic adventure and an awesome show". He was at peace with his death, and he faced it bravely. In remembrance of Eric, there will be a Celebration of Life closer to what would have been his 50 ^th birthday. His sense of humor intact to the end, he wrote that he received his party invitation "Slayer style" and asked only that someone do a little "mojo hippie dance-chant" for him.

He is survived by his mother Wanda, sister Sheila C. Bowles (Wayne Bishop) of Denton, his son, James Allen Cozby, of California, his uncle Robert "Bob" Cozby (Frazee) of Carrollton, several cousins, and a few close friends (you know who you are), of Denton and beyond. Thank you to those friends for remaining by his side even as he struggled with his demons. He thought the world of each of you. Thanks to the "folks", as he affectionately called them, at Our Daily Bread and Monsignor King Outreach Center (now, The Junction) for making his life a little easier, as you do for so many. Thanks also to Total Hospice and the wonderful staff at Benbrook Nursing and Rehabilitation for your care and compassion; as he told you, you were his "angels".

In lieu of flowers or other condolences, please leave a message in the online guestbook, and kindly consider making a donation of your time or resources to The Junction of Denton County or another organization of your choice that helps those in need.