A Medford native, Don Pinkham attended Medford Schools where he played his first football at Jefferson from the fourth through sixth grades. As a member of the McLoughlin Bulldog squad, he was named Outstanding Lineman as a seventh grader, Outstanding Player as an eighth grader and his last year earned the honors of being chosen Best All Around Played.

Don capped his high school career as a member of the 1969 State Championship Black Tornado in football. As a senior player on the Spiegelberg coached championship team, Don was a standout. His teammates chose him best Offensive Lineman and he was selected to the All-Conference Team and All State Team. The KMED Sportscasters Club Athlete of the Year award along with coach and Athlete Magazine honorable mention Prep All American made Don a good candidate for any college team.

Don received a four-year scholarship to Oregon State University playing freshman ball. Starting his sophomore year, a career ending knee injury took from him any plans of future participation as an athlete.

Graduating from Oregon State with a B.S. in Business Administration, he returned to Medford. Don is active in community service and athletics including serving as Program Director for the Medford Linebackers in 1989 and currently as President of the 1990-91 Line­backer Club.

Don continues to be active in the Oregon State Beaver Club and other civic organizations.  He has been a long time CPA in the Rogue Valley.