John W. Jones Sr.

Steer Wrestling • Inducted 1979

John W. Jones. Sr., born June 26, 1932, in Fresno, Calif., excelled on the PRCA’s biggest stage, winning the National Finals Rodeo’s aggregate title three consecutive years and a record four times overall. The Rookie of the Year in 1956, Jones’ world bulldogging title came in 1970. At the 1970 NFR, he placed in six rounds and left no doubt he was the best in the world, winning his fourth aggregate title by 15 seconds. Jones may have won more world championships, but he didn’t like to travel and didn’t seriously pursue gold buckles. As the first RCA Rookie of the Year, he inspired groups of promising steer wrestlers with his exceptional skill and courage. He died October 6, 2013.

World Championships: 1

Steer Wrestling: 1970

National Finals Rodeo Average Champion

Steer Wrestling: 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970

Rookie of the Year:

1956 Overall

Born: June 26, 1932 in Fresno, California
Died: October 6, 2013 in Morro Bay, California

Joined the PRCA: 1956

NFR Qualifications: 9

California Rodeo Salinas / Salinas, CA
Steer Wrestling: 1958, 1967
Tie-Down Roping: 1962

Clovis Rodeo / Clovis, CA
Steer Wrestling: 1957, 1961

Cody Stampede / Cody, WY
Steer Wrestling: 1968, 1970

Ellensburg Rodeo / Ellensburg, WA
All-Around: 1964
Steer Wrestling: 1964

Iowa’s Championship Rodeo / Sidney, IA
Steer Wrestling: 1967

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo / Denver, CO
Steer Wrestling: 1956

Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo / Ogden, UT
Steer Wrestling: 1969

Pendleton Round-Up / Pendleton, OR
Steer Wrestling: 1964

Red Bluff Round-Up / Red Bluff, CA
Steer Wrestling: 1956, 1959, 1964, 1971

Reno Rodeo / Reno, NV
Steer Wrestling: 1968, 1969
Tie-Down Roping: 1962

Rowell Ranch Rodeo / Hayward, CA
Steer Wrestling: 1961

Snake River Stampede / Nampa, ID
Steer Wrestling: 1964, 1965