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Jim Shoulders Obituary
Shoulders, who lived in Henryetta, had a longtime heart ailment, son Marvin Paul Shoulders said.
''He was the Babe Ruth of rodeo,'' his son said. ''Besides being one of the greatest rodeo cowboys, he was a great man.''
Jim Shoulders won 16 world championships, the most of any rodeo cowboy, and was a charter member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Years after riding his final bull, Shoulders starred with former Yankees manager Billy Martin in popular ads for Miller Lite.
Shoulders, who was born in Tulsa in 1928, was 14 when he entered his first rodeo and 21 when he won his first world title in 1949. He ended up with five world championships in all-around, seven in bull riding and four bareback.
Shoulders was ''the best rodeo cowboy ever,'' said Jim Bainbridge, a spokesman for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Shoulders was also reserve champion 10 times, including four second-place finishes in the all around.
Shoulders was riding until a few months ago.
''He did not have to suffer,'' his son said. ''He wasn't the kind of person who would handle that real good.''
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Shoulders; son, Marvin Paul Shoulders, and three daughters.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
209 Entries
Tony Platerio
March 30, 2025
I know you did Rodeos here In Elko, Nevada and I had a Aunt, Ruth Bill from Lee, Nevada and she talked a lot about You! Small World. Family would talk about Casey Tibbs and say that you and Casey Tibbs put Elko, Nevada on the map for Rodeos and who you fine Gentlemen were here in Elko, Nevada.
Lloyd M Crownover III
August 26, 2023
I met Jim and Sharon Shoulder walking down the street outside the rodeo arena in San Antonio, Tx. I´d never met him before. But, my dads side of the family was from Henrietta and I had heard about him. My granddad and dad along with my uncles knew him.
I stopped at a light waiting to cross the street and a white van pulled up to the light pulling a stock trailer. On the side it said Jim Shoulders. I looked in the passenger side and and the older woman smiled and waived at me. I stepped closer and she rolled down the window, I looked in and said, "Are you Jim Shoulders from Henrietta OK?" He stuck out his hand and said, "That´s who people say I am!", and smiled! We shook hands and I said my name was Lloyd Crownover. Sharon snapped around and said, "We know your daddy and family!" She hugged my neck kissed me on the cheek the light turned green and waved pulling away. That was in 1992.
Best Regards,
Lloyd M. Crownover lll
Michelle L Shoulders
August 13, 2021
Rip, Wish I had known you and grew up with you in my life you were my grand uncle brother of john shoulders and son of otto shoulders whom both died in 1980 jim roy shoulders my dad son of john shoulders died in 1997 where I last saw you in his hospital room. Reaching out to any family members pls get in touch with me. At [email protected] thank you all .God bless , michelle
Mike Dunbar
November 13, 2020
I watched Jim ride at the 1960 Cheyene Frontier Days Rodeo. My seat was above the chutes. I used his Kelley make spurs training horses. Wilber Plogger and Bennie Bender were the bull fighters at Cheyene. One of my favorite experiences growing up.
How you can show support
Susan Kitchen O'Leary
November 6, 2016
My God bless your family and you. I remember you from a long time ago coming to see my dad. Dad was a big man but looked small next to you.
RIP
Sharron Jarrard
November 6, 2016
Rest In Peace
Tom L
August 2, 2016
I saw Jim several times going to rodeos in Oklahoma. We have a photo of Jim at my grandmothers home in Claremore, Oklahoma. My mom told me that Jim taught her how to shoot a Colt .45
Thank you Jim for, a wonderful time and great memories.
Danny Whiteley
June 30, 2012
I was introduced to Jim by David Glover at the Ft. Worth Fat Stock Show in the late 60's, the 1st time I competed there. From that day on everytime I'd run on to him at another rodeo he would always have time to visit a few minutes. I was in awe of him then and still feel the same way today. He was the the greatest!
Del Gustafson
September 28, 2011
I still use and treasure a set of his bronc spurs though I don't ride rough stock anymore.
Russ Pfaffenhauser
August 19, 2011
I met Jim Shoulders at the Colo State Fair in approx 1980. I totally remember him because I had read about him for several years and he was my rodeo hero.
I remember him as being quiet and totally unassuming, yet you knew at a glance he was the real deal. He did what he did and was good at it. Much better than anyone else. I will never forget him! What a cowboy! What a man!
Russ Pfaffenhauser
Pueblo, CO
Dwayne Jett
March 9, 2011
I grew up at Mesquite and knew Jim all my life. He never failed to say hello and ask about my Dad,Mom and older brother. I got on his "Barney" the beefalo in a saddle bronc saddle at Mesquite. Won a pair of Justin Ropers and recieved 23 stitches in my face ! This bullrider was not a saddle bronc rider .lol !! Went to the funeral and saw the who's who of rodeo there ! Miss ya my friend !!
Stacey Chace
January 25, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Jim for many years, because my moms husband was a very close friend of his. I can remember Thanksgivings @ his home in OK, & riding horses on his ranch, plus he was our Rodeo Producer for many yrs. He was truly one of a kind!!!
Stacey Chace
January 25, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing him quite well, on a personal level, my mom was married to a man who was one of his best friends. He produced our lil Rodeo for many yrs., & I have spent Thanksgiving , along with riding horses on his ranch many yrs. ago, in OK. He was truly one of a kind...
kimberly summers
March 31, 2010
Jim Shoulders family and mine were good friends.My parents help them on their ranch when i was a baby. My dad and mom took some bulls to rodeo for him and i could go on with the stories ive been told about him,I will always remem ber him and the way he would smile at us when we walked up to talk to him.He was a wonderful and care man as was his family to.He will always be the greatest cowboy after my dad that i know.
Phil Becker
November 2, 2009
I saw Jim Shoulders, first as a contestant at the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita..later as a stock contractor at the same rodeo. There were a lot of cowboys with class, but darned few of Jim Shoulders' class.
barton knox
October 5, 2009
My mother took a picture of Jim and I when i was 5 years old at the mesquite arena. that was 1969 and still today i look at that picture and smile that i met such a legend...WOW!! What an honor.
Stan Dennison
October 1, 2009
I met Jim and his wife a few years ago. As I drove from Woodward to meet him I thought about all the great things that he had done. I wondered what kind of man he would be. After spending 3 hours in his home talking to him and his wife, I can tell you that I beleive he truly could be the best cowboy the world has ever known. As we talked about old times and the design of a new poster, I was also impressed how most of the time he would rather talk about his wife and his family. After meeting his wife, I know why.
Floyd Reed
September 1, 2009
As a teenage boy who loved to ride horses and thought of himself as being a cowbow, meeting "The Cowboy" - Jim Shoulders - was a humbling experience. When Jim Shoulders - "The Cowboy" - would enter into one the local Henryetta Oklahoma diners to eat lunch and visit with his buds, his stories - and other's stories of him - would fill the room. Jim Shoulders was a frontiersman who traveled the world in his fearless quest of an even greater challenge. However, "The Cowboy" - Jim Shoulders - did not boast of himself, of his bravery, nor of his accomplishments. Jim Shoulders' mere presence and demeanor was penetrating as he would encourage and likewise challenge others to dream big, to prepare themselves for their individual quests, and then to live their lives with dignity. For this I say; Thank You, Jim Shoulders - "The World's Greatest Cowboy".
By: Floyd Reed, Okmulgee, Oklahoma
Lynn Giese
June 20, 2009
June 20,2009
This Rodeo man made riding bulls look easy. He made Oklahoma proud , and made me want to go to rodeos. I know you are sitting High on your saddle forever, thanks for the Ride!
Brandon Krystynak
March 2, 2009
I met Mr. shoulders at a professional bullfight in ADA Oklahoma. I said you won the seven bull riding championships didn't you. He just smiled and said something like that. I saw his picture in a PBR magazine and thought it would be cool to meet him. I never dreamed in a million years that I would. And it was more than cool. It was a genuine honor.
Leanne Jay (Burks)
February 10, 2009
A man like this makes me proud to be from Oklahoma.
Leroy BEGAY
January 16, 2009
the greatest cowboy ever. good bye
Brad Weems
January 11, 2009
So sorry to hear of his passing. He trully was a great cowboy,man,and teacher. I know that his memory will be with many of us the rest of our lives.
Dwight Cook
January 3, 2009
Jim taught me how to ride bareback horses,jain self confidence and be a winner.Jim is part of the best of my life
zachary albrittion
October 15, 2008
if wasn"t for jim we wouldn't have bullriding like it is today
r.i.p jim love u man
chris barrett
October 2, 2008
he was the best their was
Jerry Whisenhunt
August 26, 2008
I remeber sitting around rodeos behind the chutes with Jim. He told the best stories. I couldn't tell you how many storeies I heard from him but they were the best. He was a great man that will be dearly missed by us all.
Lynda Hitchcock
July 31, 2008
I met Jim Shoulders when I was very young, my dad M M Hitchcock DO was his physician for a very long time. We use to love seeing him ride. Last time I saw him was at the Poway Rodeo, he was grand marshall. What a wonderful man he was....
larry hughes
May 16, 2008
your awesome
NELSON DONLEY
May 8, 2008
Jim Shoulders always did rodeo with an element of class. In the chute, he would patiently take his time, making sure his hand was in the perfect position and that he was well balanced. The audience would anxiously wait until he gave the gate man the signal. Things would get very quiet by this time. Then, all hell would break loose. He made bull riding look like fun and easy! Some people called him the "Babe Ruth" of rodeo. I prefer to think of Babe Ruth as the "Jim Shoulders" of baseball. I used to ride in rodeos when I was a kid. Thus I was able to get to understand how much talent it takes to be a winner. I never met Jim Shoulders, unfortunately. He was one of my idols.
NELSON DONLEY
May 8, 2008
Jim Shoulders always did rodeo with an element of class. In the shoot, he would patiently take his time, making sure his hand was in the perfect position. The entire audience would anxiously wait silently until he gave the gate man the signal. He made bull riding look like fun! Some people called him the "Babe Ruth" of rodeo. I prefer to think of Babe Ruth as the "Jim Shoulders" of baseball. I used to ride in rodeos when I was a kid. Thus I was able to get to understand how much talent it takes to be a winner. I never met Jim Shoulders, unfortunately. He was one of my idols.
Marty Ovah
April 16, 2008
Jim Shoulders is my hero in todays world. I am Native American from Arizona all native people in Az look up to Jim. Thank for being a role model for us!
Linda Roane
April 16, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Jim Shoulder Family: For I have know Jim my whole life as the story goes Jim arrived at hosiptal before my father and was the first to hold me:My Dad C.S.ROANE was very good friends with Jim.I have so many memrioes of stories that were tould by Jim and (moe)Freckles Brown.Jim onces said to me that my father was his mentor:
For he well be dearly missed I know in my heart he is with his friends who passed before him along with the many great bulls and horses who shaped them into the greatest cowboys of all time.To me Slyvester Roane ,Freckle's (moe) Brown & Jim Shoulders were the GREATEST Cowboys ever.
LINDA ROANE (Okla.City,Ok.)
[email protected]
scott holt
April 8, 2008
so long to a true hero,a true cowboy,a gentleman & a legend of legends from the holt family ... Scott,Bobbie,Lane & baylinn
Thomas James Whiting
March 8, 2008
I have been quoting Jim Shoulders for years; believe it or not I did a web search this morning to see if he ever did say, "Don't let go 'til you hit the ground. . .twice." I'm glad a got to share, in a very small way, the great impact this great man had on so many people.
Marty Moore
February 25, 2008
The Shoulders Family,
For words are not enough at times such as this. Jim, will be missed as a husband ,father, friend.
A true cowboy. A hero. When you hear those words, you know Jim Shoulders name will be next.
Sharon, thanks for the man you called a husband and I call a friend. We spent time in Vegas together, his time with me was worth more than the rodeo itself.
May your sorrow forever be eased by the prayers we all send.
Gary Ingram
February 20, 2008
We lost a great cowboy when we lost Jim--I remember the day I met and talked with him and also with Casey Tibbs at the Burwell NE rodeo in August 1958. What a thrill to talk with both of them by their horse trailers. An experience I will never forget. They were both very polite and nice guys.
Tammie Ludington
December 8, 2007
Jim you were a inspiration to all cowboys and cowgirls we will ride together again love ya
Howard (Buck) Sheward
December 4, 2007
I had two hero's as a kid: Mickey Mantle and Jim Shoulders. I and Henryetta were lucky, from time to time we got to pass Jim on the street or see him at the Methodist Church. Sharon taught me Sunday School in the early 50's where the class kept up with Jim's riding. Jim was special...as most heroes are! He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Ray Parker
November 24, 2007
I first met Jim Shoulders when he made an appearance at an amateur rodeo in Belgrade, Montana. He came into the arena from a side gate and walked along in front of the chutes. The entire place came to a halt.For one fabulous moment, I stood there between Jim Shoulders and Benny Reynolds. I will never forget that.
My thoughts to Jim's famly Ray Parker Belgrade, Montana
Shane Folk
November 13, 2007
To the Shoulders Family, Mr Jim will always be remembered as the World's Greatest Cowboy. My prayers for you and your family. I'm a younger person, but i realize the impact that Mr Jim had on the sport of rodeo and the impact he made on people. All i can say is, True Champion.
jordon milligan
November 12, 2007
jim shoulders i am so sorry
Ronnie Waters
November 4, 2007
we sure lost a great one now. I seen Jim Shoulders in Mesquite Tx. in the early 70's, I was 12 yrs old I thought I would pass out, we were sitting rite behind him. I will never forget it. At that point I knew I had to be a bull rider like Jim and my Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with the Shoulders family. Jim is in the big arena rolling the bulls up for us to join him for the never ending ride.
Kathryn Washburn
November 3, 2007
I met Jim and Buford
T. Lite in Odessa many years ago. I have a picture of my son sitting on buford . Jim was a great cowboy and person. He will be missed.
dusty koch
October 20, 2007
i met jim and judy and jiggs in col. in the late 50s. he was truly the best;;;; a very nice man. a great bullrider.
w d
September 24, 2007
i all was wanted to be a great bareback riding just like him
Kristie Kahn Scarbrough
August 28, 2007
Marvin,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I have no way of getting a hold of you or your Mom so I thought I would send my thoughts and prayers this way. I lost my father as well several years ago. I believe your Dad will always be with you and he will watch over you. I always thought of your Dad as the John Wayne of rodeo. He just had that presence about him. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sharon Shoulders
August 28, 2007
To all of you remembering Jim and send caring words for his family we thank you. Many of you were (and are) very dear friends from years past and it means so much to know that you remember and care.
We love and appreciate you all.
Sharon and the Shoulders Family
brad schmidt
August 24, 2007
a sad day, the loss of a great american cowboy legend.
Charley Carter
August 10, 2007
In the summer of 1971 after my junior year in high school, I headed out west to become a cowboy. I enrolled in Jims’ rodeo school to learn how to ride bareback bronc. I can still hear him riding up on his horse at the beginning of the evening class and calling out, “Ring a ling a ling time boys, ring a ling a ling time” to get the class started. Jim always kept the mood of the class upbeat and would say the funniest things sometimes to help out an otherwise embarrassing situation. I was a green as they come, and had a hard time making the bell without using something Jim would call a “cheater rope”. Well after several evenings landing various ways, one night I was lucky to land on my feet, just as the horse I was riding on spun around and sprinkled a bit of urine my way and around the general vicinity of the arena. As Jim rode by he yelled out – “I think we we’ll name that horse Waterloo”, you should have all the cowboys laugh.
Eventually .school was cut short for me after meeting up face up with a fence post, which necessitated me having to get some stitches over my eye. It was a minor injury, but Mrs. Shoulders was kind enough to drive me to the hospital where I waited in line behind a cowboy hurt a lot worse than myself. I always wanted to thank her for that ride to the hospital and I guess I can’t imagine how often she has made that same trip for so many others. I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s recent passing away, he was truly a great character. My deepest regards and thanks for his wife Sharon and the rest of the family.
Manuel S. Franco
August 6, 2007
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Shoulders a couple times at the NFR cowboy Christmas Show in Vegas during the National Finals..I was before the presence of a LEGEND and Shaking his hand after he signed an autograph for me, it was a great moment....I do have three photos with his signature on...I would love to paint his portrait someday...Dios lo bendiga, Gran Cowboy !!!!
Manuel S. Franco, Western Artist
Jan Ingle
August 1, 2007
My mother, Lois Countryman, met Mr. Shoulders while workiing at the J-H Rodeo in Camdenton, MO in the early to mid-50's in the snack bar. She filled my head and my heart with stories of the rodeo and Mr. Shoulders and Rex Allen. When we moved to Ozark, MO, there was a movie with Mr. Shoulders and his friends hearding horses out west. Mom hearded her 3 daughters to the theater to "meet" some people she had met years before. Thenk you for the legacy.
Milan Crepulja
July 22, 2007
Jim was the greatest and even in far,far Serbia he still has and will have people who respect his work and legacy which he left behind.God bless you Jim!!!
Milan Crepulja Novi Sad (Serbia)
Tracy Carter
July 20, 2007
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr.Shoulders back in the early 1970's when my grandmother was a cook at his rodeo riding school.I spent many a Summer day playing with his daughter Marcie and watching the cowboys learn how to rodeo.Those were some of the best days of my life.I grew up and moved away to California but I had the good fortune to run into Mr. and Mrs. Shoulders at the Wal-Mart in Henryetta not long after I had moved back Home to Oklahoma.I got to tell him how much those days as a child meant to me and I even got to see Marcie's cute little red-headed daughter,who was with them.My thoughts and prayers go out to the Shoulders family.He was a great American sportsman and he was a great man.
Randy Blackmon
July 15, 2007
With my deepest sympathy to the Shoulder Family.
John & Christina Laiche
July 12, 2007
Jim Shoulders, the page is not big enough to express what an inspiration he is to many of. His presence always brought smiles and memories. We will miss you Jim, however I am sure you telling the Lord many of those good ole stories! We love you and our prayers will comfort your family as will all the memories you have left for us.
daniel lee
July 11, 2007
god bless jim shoulders and rodeo and your familey. thank y'all for sharing him with the rest of us.
Roxy Young
July 10, 2007
Sharon and family,
Our prayers are with all of you. I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and you during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas over the years and Jim was always so very kind and always had a great smile. We have nice photos and grand memories just speaking with you all, in the short time passing. Take care of your self and know that God is with you. We are your fans. Love Roxy, Daryl,Rie, Orien, Londynn, Jherri Hernasy--Faxon Oklahoma
Jack Hale
July 10, 2007
I grew up in a rodeo family. My grandfather Jess HIggs of Pryor, Oklahoma (deceased 1973)introduced me to Jim when I was a kid in junior high school. When we would go to a RCA rodeo I could hardly wait for the bull riding and see Jim ride. Jim would pass through Pryor from time to time and would stop and see my grandfater at the Higgs cafe on south mill. I would just sit with my mouth open and eyes glued as Jim would tell my grandfather and others about some of his rides and talk in general about rodeo. Jim was a person that cared about people and the rodeo family. He will be dearly missed here on earth but I can assure you he is rodeoing with the best now. Jim was the King of the CowBoys.
Jack Hale, Pryor, Oklahoma
Victor A. Johnson, DVM
July 6, 2007
Jim Shoulders was my very first mentor and teacher in bull riding. I will always remember his encouragement and friendship during the two riding schools I attended in the early 1980's at his ranch in Henryetta, OK. May God Bless Jim. He will always be remembered as a giver and provider to aspiring young cowboys wanting to learn from the best. My thoughts and prayers are with his surviving family members.
Jana Birt(McGowan)
July 5, 2007
Sharon,Marvin,Jamie,Jana,Marci so sorry to hear about Jim, my prayers our with you all
Love Jana in Idaho
J. G. WESTBROOK
July 2, 2007
MY DAD SAID YOU WERE THE BEST . I AGREE-----. THANK YOU .
Nell Lindsey Kemp
July 1, 2007
My husband, John Lindsey, the Rodeo Clown, introduced me to Jim Shoulders at the Madison Square Garden Rodeo in 1948. He said, "Nell, meet Jim shoulders, he is the coming champion Bull Rider of the World", and he was, seven times, and he also won 5 all around World Championships. WOW! What a Cowboy!
You were the greatest, Jim. So long, old friend, til we meet again
Nell Lindsey Kemp
mark and peggy fisher
June 28, 2007
Jim Shoulders,true cowboy,true gentleman we will miss you.
Karen Herbst
June 27, 2007
Dear Sharon and Family
As I heard you so advised the crowd at the funeral "Don't come tell me how sorry you are.., instead rejoice in Jim's life". I'm very happy I got to meet both of you ---a huge chapter of rodeo history has been finished with Jim's life here on earth. You all can be so proud of what he left behind.
Jack and Kaye Shoulders
June 27, 2007
We forgot to add our e-mail address
It is [email protected] incase the
family would like to contact us.
Jack and Kaye Shoulders
June 27, 2007
There are people who come into our
lives, leaving footprints on our
hearts, Jim was one of these people. He is a memory who will
live on in our hearts forever.
Anonymous Anonymous
June 27, 2007
Jim Shoulders never knew me or my family but when I was a child my parents and grandparents always took me and my brother to see Jim Shoulders ride at the rodeo in Tulsa. I remember how they talked about him with awe, said he was the greatest bullrider ever, and wanted to make sure that we got to see him ride in person. What an honor it was to watch him, I'm so glad to have those memories. Thanks for the memories and the fine example you always set for your admirers.
James & Lisa Fergason
June 27, 2007
Mrs. Shoulders and family,
Thank you for sharing Mr. Shoulders with the World. He never met a stranger and was a true American Icon. May God bless you in this time of sorrow and Mr. Jim, God bless you too...we won't forget you.
Terry Thionnet
June 27, 2007
We know that you have great memories, which are so special and wonderful. Knowing Jim and your family throughout our lives has made our lives even more precious. May God comfort all of you.
Doug Hart, Terry & Suzann
Abner Mathews
June 26, 2007
I went to Jims bullriding school in 1963 when I was in the Navy, He is one of my heros, I have one of Jims bull ropes
Kay Mills
June 26, 2007
Sharon and family,
We are so sorry for the loss that you all have suffered. Jim and our dad (George Mills) were very good friends in the earlier days of rodeo. Daddy always talked about the many trying, tuff times and above all the great friendships that the cowboys of that era had.
The stories,from Jim, Casey, Harry T., Freckles, Bill L. and Daddy were so amazing. "Jim didn't have to be be in the spotlight, he just got on a horse or a bull and that was his spotlight, he is a professional."
That is what daddy told us in his last months. Our mom, Sis, has alot of stories also, which we enjoy regularly. She is fine and will be 83 in July. A card is being sent to you , Please feel free to send a note, We know mom would love to hear from you. May Whatever Power There is above be there to comfort you and the family.
Kay Mills, Linda and Kent Malm
Alise Sanderson
June 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the greatest rodeo cowboy ever.
Alise Sanderson
Miss California H.S.Rodeo Queen
Tom Stewmon
June 26, 2007
I attended Jim's bull riding school in 1976. I remember he was riding a horse with his foot in a cast. He was unstoppable.
denis faccioli
June 26, 2007
Thank you JIM for all you did.Great men like you,let people around the world,discovering a great sport called RODEO.
My prayers and thoughts are for you and your family.Now you are safe in Lord's hands.
Sincerely Faccioli Denis a great rodeo fan from ITALY.
Arnold Janesky
June 26, 2007
I Met Jim At The Farm Show Arena In Harrisburgh Penna Years Ago He Was a Great Man To Be Around. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Susan Davis
June 26, 2007
I learned alot about rodeo (and marketing!) from Jim during his Miller Lite All Star days. I am grateful for the time I got to share with Jim on the publicity tour.
Dina Reynolds
June 26, 2007
A cowboy legend with boots that no one could ever fill! We will miss this fine cowboy always. It was always an honor to have him at our Gladewater Pro Rodeo....
God Bless the Shoulders family for the loss of such a great man!
Charlene Hightower
June 26, 2007
Sharon & Family;
Our prayers are with you. So many memories. Love
David and Jimmie Smith
June 25, 2007
Ms Sharon,
He was truly a great man and will be very much missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stella Grant
June 25, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Frank Henigan
June 25, 2007
I first met Jim in the early 60S at his rodeo school. Since then I've admired and followed his trail. He is the greatest idol a person could have.
Zela Young
June 25, 2007
I met Mr. Shoulder's in Amarillo at a rodeo when I was 9 years old. I am 49 now. My Uncle Bill Agee was a RCA cowboy and he introduced us. I believe that is the day my love for rodeo and cowboy life started. I believe there is a real cowboy reception happening in heaven today. God Bless you Jim Shoulders and family. I wrote this for Mr. Shoulders.
A Cowboy goes home....
He was always a man never a boy,
riding those bulls were his greatest joy.
Long days of work with no end in
sight,
happy go lucky such a bright light.
A legend in time that never stood still,
A man of all men, Jim sure fit the bill.
Faith built on Family, Country and God's great grace,
Always a smile, a wink, or a nod,
You now ride the range in a heavenly place.
Felicia Harris
June 25, 2007
Thank you for allowing me to be apart of you family in your time of saddness. I was so greatfull to learn of a cowboy so great that i never had the pleasure to meet. Justin and kim You guys are great. I will never forget you or this time i shared with your family. I loved you all. I have to say you are some of the greatest people i've ever had the pleasure to meet.
My thoughts are with all of you.
love Felica Brysons friend
Rich Rehburg
June 25, 2007
Jamie and Family My prayers are with you during this time of great loss. Thank you for your friendship over the years and for being there for me when I needed a friend. I'm here for you....Your friend/little brother.......
Craig Copeland
June 25, 2007
Sharon & Family,
What a great gentleman! I tresure the hours spent over the past few years listening to Jim spin a yarn. When he, Neal Gay and Dude Smith would converse it was like taking a ride through rodeo history. I will miss his visits, but the memories he gave us all will live forever. God Bless You Jim Shoulders, and I know you have got them laughing in Heaven.
Pierce Broach
June 25, 2007
Had the opportunity to have Jim visit our ranch years ago when he came by to pick up some cattle that we had hauled for him from a sale. Always a gentleman and fun to be around and listen to his stories. Our best wishes to Sharon and his family.
DON DAIGLE
June 25, 2007
MY COUSINS AND I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO YOU. YOU WERE OUR HERO.
Larry Tibbs
June 24, 2007
Deepest sympathy to the family. Jim Shoulders! A true rodeo legend. Jim and fellow rodeo greats of his time were true rodeo entertainers. His kind will never be duplicated.
Mark Trevino
June 24, 2007
A true champion who inspired many a young men will certianly be missed. God has a special place for Jim in heaven. I am sure he is standing tall in the saddle and organizing the first angel rodeo! My condolences to the family.
Norma Casad
June 24, 2007
Jim touched a lot of folks- My Mother Dorothy Biddle is especially fond of Sharon and our sympathy is extended to your family- I've always heard that I was named for his sister- but I'm not sure about that.
Norma Casad- Ponca City
Todd & Beverly Cone
June 24, 2007
Sharon and Family,
Jim will be greatly missed by all of your friends in Burwell Nebraska. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nebraska's Big rodeo Boosters
Packie
June 24, 2007
It's time to remove our hats, bow our heads and reflect on an inspirational cowboy.
Happy Trails Jim!
My condolences and prayers to Sharon and family
Carl Gibson
June 24, 2007
The passing of such greats creates sadness within. But Jim and Casey are once again together. Thanks for the wonderful shows.
Judy Spencer
June 24, 2007
To the Shoulders Family,
Thank you for sharing this tremendous man with the world. His example of being a true Cowboy will remain in our hearts.
God Bless you at this difficult time.
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