One of his proudest moments came on July 4, 1975, when he won the team roping competition at the Cody Stampede Rodeo.
Along the way, he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, drove trucks, worked ranches, raised a family, wet a fishing line whenever he could, and put in more hard days than most folks care to count.
Then, in 1995, Jim traded his working boots for a barstool — well, sort of.
That year, he purchased the 3-H Liquors & Bull Sitter Lounge in Cody, Wyoming.
The building had been around since 1955, originally operating as Car and Serve Liquor. Later, it was owned by a husband, wife, and son with the last name Hodson — three H's, giving the 3-H its name. After changing hands a few times, the old watering hole finally landed in Jim's hands.
And he made it his own.
Jim didn't set out to build some fancy establishment. He wanted a place where cowboys, ranchers, truck drivers, working folks, locals, and visitors could pull up a stool, enjoy a cold drink, swap a few tall tales, and leave their troubles at the door.
With his quick wit, no-nonsense attitude, and a lifetime of stories, Jim turned the Bull Sitter into the kind of place where strangers become friends, old rodeo buddies reunite, and there's always someone willing to tell you a story — whether it's true or not.
If you know Jim, you know where you stand.
He's tough, loyal, honest, and not afraid to tell you exactly what he thinks. He's a "Getter Done!" kind of man who believes in hard work, keeping your word, and standing by the people who stand by you.
Treat him right, and you've got a friend for life. Cross him, and, well… that's another story.
More than 30 years after buying the bar, Jim's cowboy spirit remains at the heart of the Bull Sitter Lounge. It's a place built on character, laughter, loyalty, and the kind of friendships that don't fade with time.