56 | AUGUST 3 • 2023 

OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY

Born in Detroit to the late Emil 
and Fannie Edelson, she was the 
youngest of four siblings. She 
attended Central High and the 
University of Miami. She met 
George Must at a party and eloped 
with him six weeks later. 
She traveled the world, loved 
to dine, dance and embrace the 
world around her. Her life with 
George was cut short when he 
died in 1980 but was lucky to find 
love again seven years later with 
Don Levey. They relocated to 
Florida and lived a wonderful life 
with more travel, more golf and 
lots of cards and domino games. 
Roz is survived by an army of 
friends and family. She was the 
cherished mother of Alan Must, 
Jack (Margie) Must, Marsha 
Schulman (the late Jack,) and 
Amy (Dan) Karp; beloved Nana 
to Joshua Must (Jey), Mikhael 
Reamer (Michael), Jaclyn Grad 
(Jeffrey), Tara Chantiny (Jason), 
Jason Must (fiancée, Lauren), 
Mindi Booth (Brian), Carly 
Schulman, Samantha Schulman, 
Sam Karp (Rachel), Joe Karp, Jake 
Karp; special “GG” to Gabriel, 
Elias and Nathan Reamer, Lincoln, 
Hudson and Sawyer Grad, Natalie, 
Olivia, Nathan and Logan Booth; 
Jaxson Must and Asher, Becca and 
Josh Karp. Roz will be missed by 
her loving nieces and nephews 
and the family of the late Donald 
Levey. 
Contributions in her memory 
can be made to ORT or the 
Pancreatic Cancer Action 
Network.

STEVEN LOREN 
LOVINGER, 66, of 
Oak Park, died July 
22, 2023. He tragically 
passed away suddenly 
from cardiac arrest, 
surrounded by the love of his life, 
Harriet Finn, and his dear cousins, 

J

ames A. Michelson, the visionary 
chairman of the SMZ Advertising 
Agency and a prominent figure 
in the Detroit advertising community, 
passed away on July 26, 2023, at age 
82 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Jim 
leaves behind a legacy that extends 
far beyond business, as he was also 
a devoted father, doting grandfather, 
trusted friend, philanthropist and 
renowned raconteur. 

Born into a family deeply 
rooted in the advertising 
industry, Jim followed in 
the footsteps of his father, 
Lawrence Michelson, and 
successfully guided the SMZ 
agency — the M standing for 
Michelson — for five decades. 
His charismatic leadership 
and passions earned him the 
reputation of being a true 
“Mad Man” well before Don 
Draper entered the scene. Under his 
steady guidance, the SMZ Advertising 
Agency flourished; today, SMZ boasts a 
remarkable 94-year presence in Detroit, 
making it the area’s longest-running 
independent agency.
Jim’s mentorship led to unparalleled 
success, while also helping guide the 
careers of generations of advertising 
professionals. In 2013, he was inducted 
into the Detroit Adcraft Advertising Hall 
of Fame, an honor that recognized his 
indelible contributions to the field. Soon 
after, Jim took immense pride in passing 
on the reins of the agency to his children 
Pam, Debbie and Jamie, ensuring the 
continuation of the Michelson legacy 
into a third generation. 
Beyond the world of advertising, 
Jim was a man of diverse interests and 
charitable pursuits. He held a special 
place in his heart for the Old Newsboys’ 
Goodfellow Fund of Detroit, where 
he served as president and provided 
unwavering support to this noble cause 
of providing holiday joy to literally 
hundreds of thousands of kids across 

the Detroit area. Jim was also an avid 
sports enthusiast with an encyclopedic 
knowledge of the Detroit Tigers and 
the University of Michigan football 
teams. His passion for sports brought 
him closer to his loved ones, fostering 
cherished memories and shared 
experiences.
Jim Michelson’s unwavering love 
and dedication extended to his family. 
He was the beloved husband 
of the late Bonnie Michelson, 
and his children, Jamie and 
Beth Michelson, Pam and 
Paul Renusch, the Hon. Laurie 
Michelson, and Debbie and 
Pierre Fuger, will always hold 
him dear in their hearts. Jim 
took immense pride in being a 
proud grandfather to Rebecca 
(Peter Acquisto) Michelson, 
Brooke (Alex Lautzenheiser) 
Michelson, Connor Renusch, 
Payton Renusch, Michael Fuger, and 
Avery Fuger. He was also preceded 
in death by his dear sister, Sally, and 
brother-in-law, Marvin Davidson.
Jim will be remembered not 
only for his immense professional 
accomplishments but also for the love 
and care he showered upon his family 
and the broader community. His spirit, 
kindness and dedication to his passions 
have left an indelible mark on all who 
had the privilege of knowing him. As the 
advertising world mourns the loss of a 
legend and his family mourns the loss of 
a wonderful father and grandfather, his 
legacy will continue to inspire and shape 
generations to come.
Interment was at Beth El Memorial 
Park. Contributions may be made to 
Temple Beth El, Michelson-Haber 
Fund, 7400 Telegraph, Bloomfield Hills, 
MI 48301, tbeonline.org/donate; or 
Old Newsboys’ Goodfellows Fund of 
Detroit, P.O. Box 44444, Detroit, MI 
48244-0444, detroitgoodfellows.org/
shop/donate-2020. Arrangements by Ira 
Kaufman Chapel. 

Ad Man Extraordinaire

OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY

continued from page 55

James A. Michelson

