DOWNEY — What started as an old warehouse and a few fuel trucks in 1984 grew into a cornerstone of the Marsh Valley community, thanks to the hard work and heart of Terry and Michelle Jones. Now, after four decades of running Valley Oil Company, the couple is stepping into retirement.
An open house honoring the couple’s retirement will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley Oil (114 South U.S. Highway 91). Community members, past employees, vendors, and longtime customers are invited to stop in, say goodbye, and meet the new owners of the business, which now operates under the name Valley Oil and Gas.
Terry and Michelle, both natives of the Marsh Valley area, took over what was then Bloxham Oil in 1984. They were a young married couple with no formal business experience — just a willingness to work hard and a desire to serve their community.
The couple changed the name to Valley Oil Company and began operating what was, at the time, a modest business with four delivery trucks, a couple of old key pumps, and a warehouse built in the 1940s.
“We had no college education or business experience,” Terry said. “We took Mr. Jones’ business class and Mr. Treasure’s typing class at Marsh Valley High School. That’s about our only experience.”
“Our education is from the school of hard knocks,” Michelle said.
Valley Oil Company started out delivering fuel to ranchers and a few local stations. As the community’s needs evolved, so did the business. Twenty-five years ago, with encouragement from community members, they moved the fueling system to the north side of the building, featuring the Sinclair brand, and converted the old warehouse into a bare-bones convenience store.
“At first, it was basically just a place to get a soft drink and a candy bar,” Michelle recalled.
But it didn’t stop there. Locals urged the couple to add a much-needed lunch option in town, so they opened a deli. Then, when Downey Grain Growers closed, they stepped up to become an IFA feed distributor. And when the town’s lumber store shut down, they purchased the inventory from a Utah hardware store and began selling lumber as well.
Over time, Valley Oil expanded to meet nearly every local need — fuel, feed, hardware, a deli, a gas station, and a well-stocked modern convenience store—all in one spot.
“We were kind of like the Walmart of Downey,” Michelle said.
Their children, Jennifer and Jayson, grew up working at the store. Their son, Jayson, who has managed the fuel distribution for the business for 10 years, will stay on in that position. The Joneses also employed many teenagers and locals in the community through the years. Hence, they have never sold alcohol or tobacco products at the store.
The decision to retire came after considerable reflection, but the Jonses feel that the timing is right.
“It’s time for some younger people to take over with more energy and fresh ideas,” said Michelle. “It’s out with the old and in with the new.”
Michelle emphasized that the new owners have promised to uphold the small-town values and community focus that have defined the business from the start. There will be no staff changes, and the phone number will stay the same.
Terry and Michelle express their profound gratitude to the people who have helped shape the business over the years.
“We’re so thankful for everyone who’s worked for us, the many vendors we’ve partnered with, and all of those who’ve been so stinkin’ loyal to us since the beginning,” Terry said. “I appreciate that people chose to get what they needed at our place when they could have gone anywhere.”
“Being in business for yourself is hard, but the valley sustained us. Working with your spouse is hard. We’re still married after all these years of working together.” Michelle added.
Terry and Michelle are looking forward to seeing old friends, employees, and vendors on Saturday. Valley Oil Company has held off on publicly naming the new owners and will officially introduce them at the open house. Additionally, there will be free burgers, chips, drinks, ice cream, and cookies. Plus, door prizes.
Reflecting on the many friendships they’ve made through the years running Valley Oil Company, Terry said, “If you’ve been in business this long and all you’ve made is money, it wasn’t a successful business. We’ve had a successful business. We’re going to miss it.”
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