This interview typical of "Ol' Slick"

Jim was routinely the smoothest rider and had by far the best dismount from bulls ever.

He credited the Frates "milk calves" for his early practice, but he forgot to mention those bigger calves in the Mayo Dairy calf pasture down beyond the creek out by EAST CENTRAL UNION CONSOLIDATE HIGH SCHOOL toward the northeast corner of Tulsa County.

Nor did he mention his design of Wrangler jeans. Yep, the folks who make Wranglers got their money's worth. His design contribution is most of what made Wrangler the dominant brand. Levis were never that popular with riding hands, but Wrangler has pretty well pushed LEE RIDERS out of the picture. Part promotion, mostly Jim's design.

Consider in his rodeoing in three decades, he didn't win a Half MILLION dollars in his lifetime. Today, PBR has a MILLION for their champion.

Jim also was a key figure in the Miller Lite TV commercials with a big "Star" case, including John Madden.

But, when he crawled on his last PBR bull within a week of having his face smashed in one of the first rounds, when he was jerked forward and the bull threw his head back at the same time. He was in surgery for a full day  as doctors repaired about 17 fractures in his facial bones. Somehow he got his clothes on, and with his head enclosed in a steal cage with screws into his skull holding it in place, was getting onto that bull's back when someone finally told Clem McSpadden to quite mourning "the fact" that Jim was hurt and would not be able to ride any of his bulls, [They had planned to turn the bull out and have a moment of silence to honor Jim.]

He rode and scored enough points to protect another championship.

Tough, but never rough, always a genuine gentlemen --

Jim Shoulders.

What a monumental loss to the world of sport in general and rodeo in particular. A legend unsurpassed in nearly all sports. An inspriration for a young bull rider years ago who will treasure the signed spurs and bull bells Jim signed when I visited his ranch. Thanks, Jim, for such an incredible contribution to America's Sport! My condolences to the family and community of Henrietta. Len. Camp once of Iowa, now Arizona.