Jim Shoulders
| Jim Shoulders | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 13, 1928 |
| Died | June 20, 2007 (aged 79) |
| Residence |
Henryetta, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma |
| Occupation | Rodeo star; Rancher |
| Spouse(s) | Sharon (married 1947-2007) |
James A. "Jim" Shoulders (May 13, 1928 – June 20, 2007) was an American professional rodeo cowboy and rancher. He is commemorated at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and at the time of his death, was the most successful contestant in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Known as the 'Babe Ruth of rodeo', Shoulders was a spokesperson for a number of commercial products such as Miller Lite, Justin Boots and Wrangler Jeans. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and died in Henryetta, Oklahoma. He was of English descent.
Shoulders won his first bull riding competition in Oilton, Oklahoma at the age of fourteen. He competed until his retirement due to injury at the age of forty-two. His success at competitions included:
Shoulders was the first competitor to win all three events (bareback, bull riding and all-round) at the PRCA world championships.
From his rodeo career earnings, Shoulders bought a 400-acre (1.6 km2) ranch in Oklahoma where he raised livestock. He owned Tornado, a rodeo bull who threw 200 riders over 14 years. According to Frank Boggs, an Oklahoman sports writer and columnist, Shoulders bought Tornado in South Texas when he was three years old. In 1967, Freckles Brown rode Tornado.
On the basis of his rodeo success, Shoulders took work in advertising. His manager was Billy Martin, a former New York Yankees manager. He made advertisements for products such as Miller Lite beer, jeans (helping to design the Wrangler Jeans 13MWZ 'cowboy cut' jeans); and Justin boots.
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