Donald Jones

Donald Evan Jones passed away in the San Fernando Valley on August 10, at the age of 83. He grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, but spent his adult life in Los Angeles where he worked in the Motion Picture Industry.


As a young man, Don was a professional boxer, fighting under the name Irish Frankie Conway. He had 21 bouts before hanging it up to go into the film business. After a brief career as a stuntman, he taught himself how to load film, and spent decades working as a gaffer and cameraman. Eventually he began writing and directing his own films. His horror film, The Forest, is considered a cult classic.


In recent years, Don worked exclusively as a cameraman and sound recorder for various filmmakers in the Los Angeles area. As such, he traveled much of the world including Europe, Asia, and Africa. During his spare time, he earned a pilot’s license, taught himself to play the piano, and wrote a novel entitled Alma and the Poltergeist.


He is survived by his daughter and twin grandsons, and will be much missed by his many friends and fans.

Don’s daughter will host a virtual memorial and tree planting ceremony in September. Please email her at skatecj68@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to distribution for details.