(PRESS RELEASE) DETROIT — Former Jules R. Schubot Jewellers Chairman and owner Douglas (Doug) A. Schubot died on Jan. 18 in Delray Beach, FL. He was 87.
The longtime Franklin, MI, resident learned the trade in the late 1940s when he chose to spend his school vacations working for his father, who founded the company in 1917. Jules R. Schubot fostered a niche, selling high-end jewelry to corporate captains like Henry Ford and celebrities such as Tony Martin, Frank Sinatra and Joan Crawford. He turned over the store to Douglas and his wife in 1970, moving from downtown Detroit to Big Beaver Road near the Somerset Collection.
Along with his wife, Sydell, and son Brian, the Schubots created a destination private salon, crafting custom pieces for discerning individuals, including a multitude of prominent entertainers and athletes. They managed this not only through outstanding service, but also with their penchant for entertaining. Invitations to their holiday parties were coveted.
In addition to his passion for his work, giving back to the communities in which Schubot did business was important to him. He and his wife hosted “The Magic of Platinum” as a fundraiser for the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Schubot served as past Michigan general chairman of the State of Israel Bonds and was past president of the American Israel Chamber of Commerce, the brotherhood of Temple Beth El and the Centennial Lodge B’nai B’rith.
Schubot also served as a board member of the Michigan Cancer Foundation, Oakland Family Services, Boys and Girls Clubs of Detroit, the Better Business Bureau Eastern Michigan, the Michigan Retailers Association and the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council. He and Sydell attended numerous fundraisers and used the opportunity to showcase their fine jewelry.
Services were set for Jan. 22 in Southfield, MI.