John A. Artz

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Avon Artz, who died peacefully on September 16, 2025 at the age of 82 from complications of dementia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected legal mind, John lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep intellect, and unwavering commitment to his family, profession, and beloved University of Michigan.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1943 and raised in Redford, Michigan, John was a standout athlete and student at Redford High School, excelling in varsity football and track. He was the son of Avon and Emily Artz and brother to Sharon Ferguson, who predeceased John in 1986.

John went on to earn an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, followed by a law degree from Michigan Law School, combining analytical brilliance with an innate sense of discipline and purpose.

John met Marylyn Shepherd, the love of his life, at the University of Michigan. They married in 1965 and spent 60 devoted years together, building a strong, joyful life filled with family, travel, tradition, and love.

John began his legal career in New York City in 1968 with the esteemed patent law firm Brumbaugh, Graves, Donohue and Raymond before returning to Michigan in 1974 and settling in Bloomfield Hills. Over the course of his distinguished career, he worked with several prominent firms in the Detroit area and became a nationally respected voice in intellectual property law.

He started and ran his own patent firm called Artz & Artz for nearly a decade, served on the management committee of other patent firms, including Harness, Dickey & Pierce, and was active in many industry organizations, including service as President of the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association, all with same steady wisdom and integrity that defined all areas of his life. One of the proudest moments of his career came in 2000, when he had the honor of arguing before the United States Supreme Court - a career-defining achievement that exemplified his expertise and the respect he had earned in his field. His opposing counsel was now Chief Judge John Roberts.

Outside of his professional life, John was always there for his family from playing catch with his boys, making ice rinks in the front yard or cajoling his three boys to clean up all the apples from the plethora of apple trees in their yard, which was a ritual in the fall. John was a popular local coach for all three of his sons' Bloomfield Hills youth baseball and soccer teams and rarely missed their games or other activities despite his busy workload. He also was a passionate Michigan football fan, holding season tickets since 1965. John was very involved in Forest Lake Country Club serving as a board member for many years including a year as President.

John loved golfing, biking, traveling, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was a man who valued time, tradition, and connection - often happiest when surrounded by loved ones, whether at home, on the golf course, or in the stands at the Big House.

John is survived by his beloved wife Marylyn, and their three sons: John, Ken, and Greg, who carry forward his values of hard work, community service, perseverance and love of family. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, Lily, Sally, Audrey, Cale, Katelyn, Louis (Louie), and Gwyneth, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

John will be remembered for his sharp mind, dry sense of humor, gentle strength, his occasional klutziness and his uncanny ability to butcher people's names which always brought smiles to the faces of his three boys. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched - in family, in law, and in every quiet act of kindness that defined who he was.

The family will receive friends on 20 September 2025, 3-6 P.M. at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell chapel), 3215 Woodward Ave. Royal Oak 48073.

Memorial Tributes to a Church or charity of the donor's choice.