After a long and courageous journey with Parkinson's disease, Jean-Noël Cozon passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 26, 2026.

Jean-Noël was born on April 27, 1944, to Monsieur Noël and Madame Cecile Cozon in the home of his grandparents, Monsieur and Madame Antione Thibeau at 43 Boulevard de Paris in Roubaix, France. His parents moved to Bingley, England at the end of WWII to run the English branch of Thibeau LTD, a multigenerational family textile business. After receiving his degree in Textile Physics from Leeds University, Jean-Noel began his career in textile machinery sales. Soon after, he met his wife Judy Cozon, (née Boyle), and after discovering their mutual love of dogs, and that they both owned a German Pointer from the same kennel, their love story began. The two were married in 1970 and made their home in the nearby town of Keighley. Here they welcomed the birth of their first three children, Nathalie, Sarah, and Virginia, who they raised on a small farm named Rose Cottage. In 1981, the Cozon family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, after NSC-Schlumberger acquired their family textile business, and it was here they welcomed their fourth and final child, Matthew.

During his career, Jean-Noël made countless contributions to his company and more broadly to the burgeoning non-woven textile industry. He was a man with impeccable manners, respected in his business, and deeply loyal to his customers, colleagues, family and friends. His eyes twinkled when he smiled, and his charm had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. He was a gifted storyteller, loved to entertain and took great joy in bringing people together. He loved to teach and mentor—sharing his knowledge generously and taking pride in helping others grow and succeed. His role as a father was one he cherished deeply, and he instilled in his children the enduring values of respect, hard work, and the importance of family. One of the greatest joys of his life were his grandchildren — Joshua, Ethan, Ashley, Margaret, and Frances, to whom he was a constant source of wisdom, encouragement, and wonder.

Jean-Noël deeply loved the beauty of nature--from the tiny unassuming moss growing in the crack of a rock, to the hundreds of different bird species he knew by name. He encouraged everyone to live sustainably and protect the environment fiercely. He was a gifted photographer and left behind a library of beautiful images captured over his lifetime.

Jean-Noël was a world traveler--a passion he shared with his wife Judy throughout their 55 years together. He deeply appreciated Judy's culinary gifts, and treasured family meals with his children. He and Judy created a beautiful, eco-friendly home, graced by an exquisitely beautiful garden with waterfalls, streams, and a fishpond. Their home became a magical place of whimsy and wonder for their grand-children and grand-dogs. Above all, Jean-Noël loved his family, and will be missed more than words can say.

Jean-Noël's legacy lives on through his beloved children: his daughters, Nathalie Carrizosa (Daniel) of Waxhaw, North Carolina, Sarah Tallman (Christopher, d. 2008) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Virginia Lanzotti (David) of Chesterfield, Missouri, and his son, Matthew Cozon (Lindsay) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

He is survived by his brothers, Yves Cozon (Jenni) of Tredington, England, and Christian Cozon (Caroline) of Harpenden, England.

His family would like to recognize the exemplary care provided by his medical and hospice teams, especially Dr. Michael Johnson and his nurse, Crystal, of Perspective Health and Wellness, Dr. John Barkenbus, VIA Health Partners, and Visiting Angels.

Private cremation arrangements were made at the family's request.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home (www.baumgartnerfh.com) of Pageland, South Carolina.