Charley Jones, who bought Stinker Stores in 2002 from the family of Farris Lind, has died of cancer, the Boise, Idaho-based convenience-store chain said. He was 72.
Jones, who previously was the company’s CEO, died Wednesday morning.
Jones and Shawn Davis purchased Stinker Stores in 2002. In 2012, Jones, along with his wife, Nancy, became sole owner and operators of the Stinker brand, the company said.
“With his ongoing commitment to giving, Charley ensured that Stinker is a bright spot for each community in which they are located, through active involvement, engagement and support of charities focused on food insecurity and domestic violence, as well as local events across three states,” the company said.
Nate Brazier, Stinker Stores president and CEO, said, “Charley was absolutely one in a million. His unrivaled business savvy combined with his generous and giving heart made him the hero of Stinker’s last 20-plus years and an absolutely amazing visionary to work under. He is and always will be the greatest Stinker of all.”
A graduate of Borah High School and University of Idaho, Jones joined the U.S. Army Reserve Finance Corps and achieved the rank of captain, Stinker Stores said. He then earned his C.P.A. and began his career working in public accounting. He went on to hold leadership roles in the construction, high-tech manufacturing and wholesale distribution industries in the Treasure Valley. Prior to buying Stinker Stores, he was president of Stein Distributing, Idaho's largest Anheuser-Busch distributorship.
Community service and involvement includes:
- University of Idaho Foundation, board of directors, 2015 to present
- Bishop Kelly President’s Advisory Council, 2014 - present
- American Red Cross, Idaho chairman, 2001-2003
- First United Methodist “Cathedral of the Rockies,” capital campaign co-chair, 2011 - 2012
Business and professional affiliations include:
- Zions Bank, board of directors, 2006-2015
- Idaho Petroleum Marketers, board of directors, 2003 to present
- Colorado and Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, board of directors, 2017 to present
- National Beer Wholesalers, board of directors, 2000-2002
Honors and awards include:
- Joyce Stein Memorial Award 2021, Women’s and Children’s Alliance
- CEO of Influence 2014, Idaho Business Review
- Business leader of the year 2011, Alpha Kappa Psi, Idaho State University
- Silver and Gold Award 2011, University of Idaho
- Philos Award, Philanthropist of the Year 2003, American Red Cross
Stinker was founded in 1936 by Farris Lind. The first store was a service station in Twin Falls, Idaho. Stinker has grown over the years and operates convenience stores and truck stops throughout Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. The company has about 1,500 employees.
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