Donald Lee Myles Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Lee Myles Jr. on June 8th, 2026, after a courageous, years-long battle with cancer. He passed surrounded by the love of his family and closest friends. Despite the many challenges, Don approached each day with a grateful heart, sense of humor, and a ready smile for everyone. He was a man of integrity who treated others with dignity and respect. Above all, Don was a devoted and loving husband, father, Pop Pop, brother and friend. He was the rock of our family.

Don was born in 1957 in West Covina, Southern California to Marlene and Donald Lee Myles Sr. the eldest of three children (sisters Leslie Crocchi and Lorie McCann). Don graduated with a Political Science degree in 1979 from California Lutheran University where he played football and earned recognition as an All-American Javelin Thrower in 1977 and 1979. He went on to attend law school at Southwestern University, graduating in1982 and moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1983 to put down roots. The same year, he joined the newly established firm of Jones, Skelton & Hochuli becoming a partner by 1987. Don went on to practice law at Jones, Skelton & Hochuli for over 40 years making many lifelong friends.

Don always used self-deprecating humor yet was one of the most respected trial lawyers in Arizona. His absence will be profoundly felt by his colleagues, clients, and the broader legal community. Having tried 50+ cases to verdict, Don was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and an Advocate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Most recently he was honored as the 2025 ABOTA Lawyer of the Year. Beyond his credentials, Don was a mentor, a trusted colleague, and a tireless advocate for the defense bar. Throughout his career, Don served in many leadership roles including President of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, President of the USLAW Network, President of the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and as a member of the NAMI Arizona board, among many others. However, his favorite roles were those of husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Don was a lifelong sports enthusiast whether watching or participating. Always up for a little friendly competition, Don rediscovered golf in later years and became an avid angler pursuing the ever-elusive trophy trout. He loved the Arizona Diamondbacks and participated in their annual Fantasy Baseball Camps for many years, enthusiastically recruiting friends to join him on the field. Despite the heartbreak, Don dutifully followed the Arizona Cardinals each season and rooted for the Arizona Wildcats basketball team every March.

He was a true wine enthusiast and delighted in sharing his wine collection with family and friends while regaling them with stories. He relished a friendly debate, loved to laugh, enjoy a cigar with friends, and never missed a chance to tease his family and friends. Don especially enjoyed traveling the world (30+ countries) with his family and close friends and spending summers in Telluride, Colorado. Don’s favorite saying was “Whoever dies with the most memories wins!”

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Doreen, and his children Tommy and Mary (husband Hunter Curtis). Don was known as “Pop Pop” to his 4-month-old granddaughter, Kennedy and cherished the time they spent together. The last photo taken of Don was with Kennedy on his lap, both grinning ear-to-ear a day before his passing.

Don will be missed by all that knew him and his legacy will endure for many years to come. May his memory stay alive in each of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI Arizona, https://namiarizona.org/ a charity dear to his heart. Services will be announced at a future date.