Aiken's Jack Rogers Tire Pros store won't reopen after fire | Aiken Area Business

An Aiken business that has served the community for nearly 50 years will not reopen after a fire this year.

James Rogers, owner of Jack Rogers Tire Pros, confirmed June 28 that he will not reopen the business at 1724 Richland Ave. E.

The company was declared a total loss following a fire on April 1.

Jack Rogers, James' father, opened the business on December 1, 1975, 48 years and four months before the fire.

“I really planned to get to 50 before I let the manager take over and I stepped aside to let her lead,” Rogers continued. “We didn’t really get that far.”

God had other plans, Rogers continued.

“He may have seen something I didn’t see,” Rogers said. “I have a lot of health problems. I have foot problems… I've been using a wheelchair mainly for about three years. »

Rogers added that he suffered from macular degeneration and heart problems.

Rogers said his wife, Mariruth, wouldn't let him drive outside of Aiken because of his vision problems.

His age, 67, is another factor.

Reopening the business would cost $1.5 million, Rogers said.

If he was 50, he would do it, but at 67, it's not in the cards.

“It's kind of like another door opened,” Rogers said. “My wife said it's probably time for me to retire and try to enjoy life.”

It's not an easy decision, Rogers added.

“I want to do it, but it’s just a matter of logistics and age,” Rogers said. “It’s just not the right time in my life to do it.” »

His clients and his family's history make it a difficult decision, Rogers said.

Rogers said some of his customers have moved to North Carolina and Charleston but still come back to have their vehicles repaired at his shop.