February 13 – Rodeo fans and friends were sad to learn, earlier this week, about Jim Freeman’s passing. A Canadian Rodeo Champion, past CPRA Board Member, rodeo judge, Hall of Fame inductee and overall rodeo promoter, Jim enjoyed a long career in the industry and beyond.
From the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame:
Jim was born in Camrose, AB. The family later moved to Ft. St. John, BC and then settled in the Olds/Torrington area of Alberta.
The first rodeo Jim Freeman entered was his hometown of Olds, as a local entry in the Bareback Riding using borrowed equipment from Jim Clifford who was the best in the business at the time.
The young talent rode saddle bronc, bareback and bulls in the FCA. Years later he would be instrumental in starting the rodeo program at Red Deer College and SAIT in Calgary.
Jim began his pro rodeo career as a bull rider in 1973, winning the Permit Award in Canadian Professional Rodeo the same year. At the very first CFR in 1974, Jim Freeman was declared the Canadian Champion Bull Rider.
Jim’s ride on Weatherly’s Homer scored 92 points, and was the first bull ride at the Calgary Stampede to be in the 90’s. He rode Vold’s -22 at the Bruce Stampede for 93 points. Jim could rope calves well and his name would appear in the All Around standings. He was the Bull Riding Champion of the Central Circuit in 1975, and the Southern Circuit in 1976. He won second in the Canada vs US challenge.
In 1982 Jim was awarded the CN Woodward Cowboy of the Year honor. He served on the CPRA board from 1978 to 1982 and was the 1981-1982 Director of Marketing for the CPRA. Jim was a Wrangler Pro Official and judged the CFR in 1981, 1983 and 1986.
Jim Freeman was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Canadian Government in 1988 for his contribution in making the 1988 Calgary Olympic Rodeo a reality.
Jim gave back in numerous ways. Always a humanitarian and having close ties to the Sundre area, Jim coordinated the search and worked tirelessly when the plane carrying Gary Logan, Brian Claypool, Lee Coleman and Calvin Bunney went down in 1979. For this, the families, friends and rodeo community thank this talented and giving individual.
Jim Freeman leaves a long legacy in the western Canadian equine industry as a whole, and was known and revered by many in the rodeo world. The CPRA extends condolences to Jim’s family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life for Jim Freeman will be held February 25, 2:00 pm at Olds Cow Palace. (5223 – 54th St. Olds, Alberta)
Photo credits:
Cheyenne Bull Riding action shot, Jerry Gustafson https://gustafsonphoto.com/
Headshot: https://www.canadianprorodeohalloffame.org/
