Who is Don Jones?

How The Don Jones Foundation Began

The Don Jones Foundation was created to honor the life of a remarkable man whose generosity and philanthropic spirit touched hundreds of lives.

Who is Don Jones?

Donald L. Jones passed away on Friday, March 4, 2005 after a brave and dignified fight with cancer. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and forever remembered as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife Amy Jo; daughters (and sons-in law) Debbi Hansen (Mike), Gayle Ledbetter (Jim), Kristiana Poirier (Steve), Allison Smith (Bill), and Mollie Overa (Keith); sons Morgan and Adam; grandchildren Amanda and Ashley Hansen, Travis Ledbetter, Brian, Colin and Matthew Smith; great-grandsons Andrew and Nicholas. He is preceded in death by his parents Helen and Donald L. Jones, Sr., and in-laws George and Amy Fottrell Muller.

Don was a passionate family man who loved traveling the world with his sweetheart Amy, flying his plane out of San Carlos airport, captaining his ski boat in the Colorado river, watching 49ers games and NASCAR races, restoring hot rods, and taking long drives. He enjoyed hosting family and friends at his home, where he could be found behind the grill or in the pool. We remember him as a very kind and loving man who made every person in his life feel like his most cherished friend.

Don was a native San Franciscan, graduate of the San Francisco Public Schools and the Palo Alto Military Academy, and 32-year resident of San Mateo. He co-founded Ace Fire Equipment in Palo Alto over 50 years ago, where he served as President and worked hard until days before his death. His family-run business remains as one of his proudest achievements.

Don was a member of the National Association of Fire Equipment Dealers and the Hudson Club, with whom he shared his prized 1947 coupe, sedan and pick-up. He was a member of the Coyote Point Yacht Club for many years, and was a regular at the former San Jose Speedway. Don was also well known in the community for his charity work with families in need, and support of youth athletic organizations throughout the years.

The Don Jones Foundation has been established in his memory to benefit families in need each holiday season.

Don Jones

Don is our shining light,
Our patriarch, our friend.
His presence is always felt,
His caring is ever present.
He made bad times good,
Loved laughter, family and fun.
What a sense of humor!
His cars were fast, his stride long, taste exquisite.
Sun, sports, and did we mention work?
Loved Ace Fire, and he made it so great!
Travel, travel, travel. Enjoyed seeing the world.
Friends made near and far.
All with amazing stories we're sure.
Family and friends will miss him every day.
And he will look down on us now from heaven.
Smile on his face.
He is loved and always will be.