James K. Lontz, also known as “Jimmy Launce” of Lakewood Ranch, Florida formerly of Farmington Hills, Michigan passed away on Tuesday August 28, 2018 at the age of 84. James was born March 9, 1934 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Kenneth and Colma (Lambert) Lontz.

“Jimmy Launce” was the popular host of his daily radio program in Detroit on the 50,000 watt radio Station WJR, owned by ABC Radio. For 38 years his popular radio show was rated #1 in Michigan in his time slot and heard by thousands across America and Canada. His variety program was known for his personal style of comedy, interviews with controversial figures, news-makers of the day which included Hollywood and Broadway stars, popular comedians and musicians, U.S. Presidents and various dignitaries from home and abroad, past and present. On his live broadcasts, he was known for outlandish stunts such as strapping himself into a harness outside the windows of the station’s sky scraper location to describe and experience a window washer’s vocation. Jimmy flew a jet fighter while describing the experience through a microphone in his oxygen mask. He connected with his audience who thought of him as a friend. Listeners named their new-born daughters after his infectious radio theme song, GINA.

His curiosity, wit, knowledge and skill of even-handed questioning earned him great respect from his variety of guests and listeners; providing sustained high ratings fro over 38 years. During his tenure, his variety program featured an orchestra, singers, recordings and interviews, as well as, hosting various remote broadcasts from the U.S. and Europe. Jimmy was enshrined in the Detroit Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Jim was the host of the Detroit TV broadcasts of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. He was a popular after-dinner speaker, stage and film actor, writer and voice from instructional and educational videos, nature films, as well as, national and international radio and television commercials. He was chosen by the Shriver Family to serve as master of ceremonies for the Special Olympics at Central Michigan University and on CBS Television.

Jim was a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He was a lifetime member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on the Detroit Local Board. Jim was also a member of the Media Roundtable in Sarasota. He served on the Michigan Cancer Foundation Board of Trustees and the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Jimmy was the recipient of the Honorary 33rd Degree of Scottish Rite Masonary and the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He was a lifetime member of Farmington Hills, MI Masonic Lodge and a member of York Rite College, Detroit Commandery No. 1 K.T., as well as Royal Arch Masons of Michigan. Jimmy was also a member of the Detroit and Sarasota Shriners and of the Royal Order of Jesters.

He was a member of Church of the Palms in Sarasota, where he served as a member of the College of Elders and a working member of the T.V. Ministry Crew.

Jimmy was known as a consummate home “Do It Yourselfer” with every imaginable tool and machinery. He was an avid freshwater fisherman in Michigan and spent considerable time fishing in the Arctic Circle.

Jimmy’s wife, Brigitte, was born in Frankfurt Germany. After coming to America, she was an advertising print and runway model for Bill Blass and many other designers. After meeting in New York, she and Jimmy represented General Motors at International Auto Shows in New York, Chicago and Detroit. Together they owned, Jimmy Launce Productions, a theatrical production Corporation that operated three live performance theaters and a touring company. As an actor, Jimmy often took the stage in leading roles in those productions.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Brigitte; loving children, Cheri Natho of Melvindale, MI and John Lontz of Kernersville, NC; sister, Pauline Gowins of Auburn, IN; cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Bacon, Joshua Holman, Angela Lontz, Brooke Paulsson, Taylor Lontz, Jeremy Lontz and 8 great grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Kenneth Lontz and sister, Doris Zoller.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 11 AM at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34239.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Church of the Palms or Masonic Charitable Foundations, Alma, MI.

(This obituary is posted online courtesy of dignitymemorial.com/saratoga-fl)