Jim Shoulders was honored posthumously at the annual Legends of ProRodeo Breakfast at the Wrangler NFR in December with the Legend of ProRodeo Award for "outstanding leadership in the arena, in the home and in the community."
Sharon Shoulders listened to stories about her late, great husband before taking the podium.
"Jim spent his whole lifetime promoting the sport of
ProRodeo, and I know that Jim would be very pleased to receive this award," Sharon Shoulders said. "Thank you for the honor and for paying tribute to Jim."
Clem McSpadden put in perspective the type of man he really was. "He was much more than a champion, he was a leader of people," McSpadden said. "He was just something in our world that won't ever come along again."
The other award given at the breakfast was the Foster Friess Mentoring Award, which recognizes a PRCA member who has served youth and become a positive role model.
Eighteen-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Tom Reeves was chosen for the award for his work as a collegiate rodeo coach. He took over the Ranger (Texas) College rodeo program two years ago and has transformed the college squad, taking the men's team to the NCAA title in 2007.
"It's a pretty emotional time for me," Reeves said. "Growing up, I had lots of help, and it's just a real good feeling to be able to give back. Rodeo to me is a family, and it's just a good experience to give back to that family."
