Stinker Stores owner and former CEO Charley Jones has died of cancer

Photo courtesy of Stinker Stores

Charley Jones, who bought Stinker Stores from the family of Farris Lind in 2002, has died of cancer, the Boise, Idaho-based convenience store chain said.

Jones, the company’s former CEO, died Wednesday morning.

Jones and Shawn Davis purchased Stinker Stores in 2002. In 2012, Jones and his wife Nancy became sole owners and operators of the Stinker brand, the company said.

“With his ongoing commitment, Charley has ensured that Stinker is a bright spot for all the communities in which the company is located. He has accomplished this through active involvement, dedication and support of charities addressing food insecurity and domestic violence, as well as local events in three states,” the company said.

• Stinker Stores is No. 66 on CSP 2024 Top 202 Convenience Store Chains Ranking by Size.

Nate Brazier, President and CEO of Stinker Stores, said, “Charley was absolutely one of a kind. His unmatched business acumen combined with his generous and giving heart made him the hero of Stinker’s last 20+ years and an absolutely amazing visionary to work under. He remains the greatest Stinker of them all.”

Jones, a graduate of Borah High School and the University of Idaho, joined the U.S. Army Reserve Finance Corps and attained the rank of captain, according to Stinker Stores. He then earned his CPA (certified public accountant) and began his career as a certified public accountant. He later assumed leadership roles in construction, high-tech manufacturing and wholesale distribution in the Treasure Valley. Before purchasing Stinker Stores, he was president of Stein Distributing, Idaho’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor.

Voluntary and volunteer activities include:

• University of Idaho Foundation, Board of Directors, 2015 to present
• Bishop Kelly President’s Advisory Board, 2014 – present
• Chairman of the American Red Cross, Idaho, 2001-2003
• First United Methodist Cathedral of the Rockies, Capital Campaign Co-Chair, 2011 – 2012

Business and professional affiliations include:

• Zions Bank, Board Member, 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 Member, 2000-2002

Honors and awards include:

• Joyce Stein Memorial Award 2021, Women and Children Alliance
• Influential CEO 2014, Idaho Business Review
• 2011 Business Leader of the Year, 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. Its first store was a gas station in Twin Falls, Idaho. Stinker has grown over the years to operate convenience stores and rest stops throughout Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. The company employs approximately 1,500 people.

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