Jeffery Thomas Schultz

December 31, 1964 – December 1, 2024

Jeffery Thomas Schultz, a beloved filmmaker, artist, and storyteller, passed away peacefully in his home on December 1, 2024, at the age of 59, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 31, 1964, Jeffery grew up in Saint Clair Shores. His creative journey accelerated at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. This education set the foundation for a lifelong career as a photographer, filmmaker, and screenwriter, with a passion for visual storytelling that defined his life and work.

Jeffery’s artistic accomplishments were remarkable. Early in his career his photography was exhibited in galleries and published in numerous publications. His films were screened across the globe, from New York City to Amsterdam. He’s earned countless accolades for film, starting with the 2010 Detroit Windsor International Film Festival Best Short to the 2019 Oaxaca Film Fest Best Perspective, stretching into music videos at the 2011 Detroit Music Awards and screenwriting at the prestigious 2022 Page Awards. His last film Easy Way Out on Apple TV, connected him to audiences and collaborators worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the film and photography communities.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Jeffery was an extraordinary innovator and problem-solver. Whether building a rig for an underwater film shoot or designing a radiant floor heating system, Jeffery was always reimagining how things could be done better. His ingenuity was matched by his creativity, along with his thirst for knowledge for all things finance and world events, making him a true renaissance man.

Jeffery’s personal life was as vibrant as his professional one. Although not religious, he was quite spiritual. He was a devoted husband to Jennifer Atanasovski, his biggest collaborator and partner in both life and art. Together, they shared gallery shows, film projects, rehabbing their now home in Detroit, traveling the world, and countless cherished memories. Above all, his greatest pride and joy was his daughter, Savannah Schultz. Exploring the world and sharing adventures with her brought him boundless happiness.

Jeffery's creative spirit, boundless curiosity, and warmth touched the lives of everyone he met. Through his work and collaborations, he inspired countless others to view art and creativity through a new lens. His legacy will live on in the films he made, the stories he told, and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Jeffery is survived by his wife Jennifer Atanasovski and his daughter Savannah Schultz; his mother, Donna Kaul Schultz; his sisters, Patrice (Steve) LeBlanc and Maureen (Eric) Hewins with their children Joel and Laura; his brother, Michael Schultz; and his brothers-in-law, Yovo Atanasovski (Theresa McKeon) and Drakce (Aneta) Atanasovski with their daughters Anna and Lea. Preceded in death by his father, Everett Schultz.

A celebration of Jeffery’s life will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081, on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, beginning at 2:00 pm, until time of service at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Edmonson Elementary School Music and Arts Program which Savannah attends, in honor of Jeffery’s dedication to inspiring future generations of artists and storytellers.

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