Jim Shoulders Born (1928-05-13)May 13, 1928 Died June 20, 2007(2007-06-20) (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 rider, 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 at 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 beer, 'Justin' boots and 'Wrangler' jeans. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and died in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Rodeo career: 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: PRCA world championships. (Five 'World all-around rodeo champion cowboy' awards, 1949, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959)., Bull rider awards. (1951 and 1954 to 1959)., Bareback rider awards. (1950 and 1956 to 1958)., Shoulders was the first competitor to win all three events (bareback, bull riding and all-round) at the PRCA world championships. Business ventures: From his rodeo career earnings, Shoulders bought a 400-acre (1.6 km) ranch in Oklahoma where he raised livestock. He produced "Tornado", a rodeo bull who threw 200 riders over 14 years. 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. Honors: Shoulders is honoured in four rodeo halls of fame including the Madison Square Garden 'Hall of Fame' in New York City. Others include the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, the 'Texas Trail Hall of Fame' in Fort Worth and the 'National Cowboy Hall of Fame' in Oklahoma City. Personal life: In 1947, Shoulders married Sharon and they had four children. Shoulders died in Henryetta, Oklahoma on June 20, 2007 from heart disease. Shoulders' son, Marvin Paul Shoulders, has also competed professionally in rodeo sports.

Source: Wikipedia

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