Jeffrey Fennell Jones
August 26, 1942 - November 16, 2025
Jeff spent his early life on the East Coast, mostly in Pennsylvania, with his mother Ella Yeager Jones and sister Barbara Galaty. After high school, he headed out west to California to attend Valley State (now known as Cal State Northridge in Los Angeles) to study Marine Biology, but ended up graduating with a degree in Theater Arts! While he dreamed of working in movies, during this time he lived and worked on a boat, which gave him an idea for a career in Sport Fishing.
Jeff’s passion for fishing eventually took him to San Diego and in 1978, where after owning and running other boats, he built the Apollo. Jeff ran the Apollo sport fishing boat for over 20 years and became one of the most well respected sport fishing captains in San Diego. After selling his fishing businesses, he spent his time running a small home-based business and traveling extensively until 2024.
Though most people found Jeff to be a quiet man, he was actually known for his stories and his dark sense of humor. He loved traveling, music, nature, and a great glass of California Chardonnay or scoop of ice cream.
Jeff was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and passed away peacefully at home. He is survived by his family, daughters Katrina (& Gavin) Lodge and Heather (& Chris) Calatrello, and his loving partner Norma Plante, who looked after him in his final days.
In lieu of any gifts, please consider making a donation in Jeff’s honor to Alzheimer’s San Diego.
Please make checks payable to Alzheimer's San Diego and mail to 3635 Ruffin Rd Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92123
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Cara Martin | 12/21/2025 | $51.96 | Dara Simic | 12/03/2025 | $51.96 | In loving memory and to a brighter day for all who suffer. | Anonymous Friend | 12/03/2025 | $100.00 | Donna Knapp | 12/03/2025 | $103.56 | In memory of Jeff, In support of Norma. We Sisters of Ten (WWW) know of her enduring, steadfast love for Jeff and express ours for her. | John Galaty | 12/03/2025 | $258.36 | Jeff told me he was pleased to have a brother-in-law when I married his sister Barbara, and over the years we had adventures together. He had sparkling and low-key wit we all enjoyed, and he's missed already. I'll never forget the humorous twinkle in his eye when he told me he was losing his memory. Thanks for the friendship my brother (in-law)! John | Heather Calatrello | 12/02/2025 | $258.36 | Norma J Jeanne Plante | 12/02/2025 | $258.36 | Jeff, you will be missed dearly. Thank you for making me happy during the nearly 18 years we were together. | Gavin & Katrina Lodge | 12/02/2025 | $258.36 | We miss you Dad/Jeff ❤️. | Rebecca Brewer | 12/02/2025 | $103.56 | Sending our love and condolences. The Brewer Family | Lindsay Harding | 12/02/2025 | $150.00 | Sending love to Norma, Katrina, Heather and your families | Gloria Morrison | 12/02/2025 | $206.76 | Happy Trails Jeff! Kiss Bob for me and you two plan a huge celebration when we all meet again! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ | Danielle Danielle White | 12/02/2025 | $103.67 | Andrea Morton | 12/02/2025 | $103.56 | In honor of Jeff Jones, a wonderful man and father. From the Morton family | Erin & Zack Marcus | 12/02/2025 | $103.67 | Love to you all! | Linda Cardona | 12/02/2025 | $103.56 | We cherish the wonderful friendship we shared together with Jeff through the years. Jeff’s memory will continue to hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in Peace dear friend and know that Norma will always be surrounded by me & Tony and all our special friends. |
| Total | $2,215.70 | ||