Jim resides in Rio Vista, TX (since 1983). He is married to Jan Jones who competed in the WPRA barrel racing. They rodeoed together nationally for years. They have one daughter, Kelly Jones Conner. She is married to Ryan and they have 4 kids Rex, Hank, Ruby & Hoss. Jim graduated from Alpine High School in 1971 and attended Sul Ross State University where he rodeoed and graduated in 1975.
Jim began his rodeo career in 1970, his junior year in HS. This deemed him ineligible to play football his senior year. However, this was the beginning of some of the best years. Jim’s rodeo career created many friendships along the way, many great memories and endless stories that are still talked about today. He traveled with Sandy Kirby in 1984. Mentors that played a huge role in Jim’s rodeo career were Jack Ward, Rusty Riddle, TJ Walker and JC Trujillo.
Accomplishments and highlights:
Joined PRCA in 1976 and competed for 18 consecutive years
Notable wins include Odessa, TX- Sidney, IA- Sikeston, MO – Mesquite, TX (Where he was the 1984 Bareback Riding Champion), Louisville, KY – Spooner, WI
Won Pine Bluff, AK on Stormy Weather
Won Waco, TX on Sippin’ Velvet.
Other notable horses Jim rode were Teachers Pet, Goldust, Gypsy
Participated in other major rodeos including Houston, San Antonio, Ft Worth and Cheyenne
Qualified for Texas PRCA Circuit Finals 16 times
Served as Bareback Riding Director for the Texas PRCA Circuit for 8 years.
