Jack Kaufman

Jack Kaufman
July 14, 1931 - April 10, 2021

A pioneer of early television, Jack died peacefully at home in San Francisco on April 10th at age 89. A New Yorker by heart, Jack spent most of his adult life in California. Bronx-born to Max and Clara (Soberman), he graduated from CCNY's Institute of Film Techniques, guided by renowned avant-garde filmmaker/artist Hans Richter.

He and his young family moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s, where he began his illustrious and prolific career in the burgeoning field of documentary TV. Traveling the world for National Geographic Society, David Wolper, and others, he created unique films about nature, science, history, and world politics.

Among his memorable documentaries: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich-the first topical mini-series on TV-which he wrote, produced, and directed; The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau; Untamed World; The Truman Years; The Homefront; Primal Man; The Churchill Years; numerous National Geographic Specials; and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

He was meticulous in his work, a voracious reader, a truly gifted writer, quick-witted, and extremely intelligent. To know him was to appreciate his sense of humor and indulge a rough-edged cynicism he employed to get a rise out of you. At his core, he was a loving and gentle soul.

Jack will be missed by his wife Leslie Abrahams Barham; children Stephen (Samantha), Diana (Paul Marszalek), Amy (Andy Bednarek), and Alex (Amy Mersol-Barg); grandchildren Ray and Trudy Marszalek, Sydni and Eli Bednarek, and Madeleine Kaufman; brother Harold (Gigi); nephews Michael (Melissa) and Ben (Susan); grandnieces Annie, Julia, Rebekah, and Sarah; and grandnephew William.

Private services and burial were held at Salem Memorial Park in Colma, CA.

For those wishing to honor his memory, please consider donations in his name to Southern Poverty Law Center, Anti-Defamation League, ACLU, or a charity of your choice.