Prime Time International mourns the loss of Chuck Hodges, a founder and a managing member of the company. Chuck died peacefully in his home on April 19 in Palm Springs, California after a sixteen month struggle with cancer. His wife, Gayle, his children and grandchildren were at his bedside when he passed. Chuck was born in Douglas, Arizona in 1941 and spent nearly his entire life in the Southwestern United States.
Chuck, along with Carl Sam Maggio, Mark Nickerson, and Javier “Skippy” Tostada founded the company, which is now known as Prime Time International, more than twenty years ago. Mr. Maggio commented “ I met Chuck many years ago and watched him grow and develop into an astute executive and wonderful business partner.” Prior to founding Prime Time, Chuck was the Vice-President of Sales at Sun World International for nearly a dozen years. Throughout the fresh produce industry, Chuck was known as a fair, honest, and reliable supplier to a broad base of customers throughout North America. His quick wit and lively personality endeared him to his customers, peers, and employees throughout his career.
Chuck was deeply involved in the community spending countless hours donating his time, effort, energy and financial support to needy and charitable organizations of all types. Among his many honors, he was named Farmer of the Year in 2006 by the California Women in Agriculture.
According to Mark Nickerson, “Chuck will be sorely missed by all of us at Prime Time. He was a wonderful illustration of how to live a good life and lead by example. His unique sales skills and keen business sense enabled Prime Time to become a significant force in California agriculture.”
Those wishing to make contributions to either of Chuck’s favorite charities (Well In the Desert and Pegasus Riding Academy of the Coachella Valley) can send these to the attention of Prime Time International in Coachella, California. Cards of condolence and sympathy for the family may be sent to:
Gayle Hodges
1203 East Buena Vista
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Source: Prime Time International
