James (Jim) Sutton Jr. Obituary, SOUTH DAKOTA — James “Jim” Sutton Jr., a longtime rodeo stock contractor, producer, innovator and influential figure in the Western industry, died on September 3, 2026, at the age of 91. Born April 20, 1935, Sutton was remembered by his family and members of the rodeo community as a dedicated competitor, leader, livestock producer and cowboy whose influence extended across generations.
Sutton’s family described him as their patriarch and a true cowboy legend whose life was defined by hard work, high integrity, superior performance and a deep love for competition, quality livestock, production and entertainment. His experiences on the ranch, in the arena, on the basketball court and field, and along the rodeo road shaped the wisdom and values he passed on to those around him.
Throughout his career, Sutton made significant contributions to professional rodeo. According to longtime rodeo figure Jerry Norton, Sutton carried on the work his father had started and eventually passed that tradition to his own son and grandchildren, with the Sutton rodeo company continuing to flourish. Norton also remembered Jim and his wife, Julie, as a highly effective team in the business, describing Jim as innovative and someone who frequently thought ahead of his time.
One of Sutton’s notable contributions to rodeo was his role in developing professional bullfighting as a touring competition. Norton said the concept began at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in 1979 or 1980 before expanding nationwide in 1981 through PRCA professional rodeos. The tour eventually culminated in six bullfighters competing at the National Finals Rodeo, while the Wrangler Bullfight Tour crowned world champions for two decades.
The impact of that opportunity was remembered by many in the rodeo community. Norton said countless young men benefited from participating in the tour, with the competition helping launch careers and providing generations of rodeo talent with opportunities to make a living in the sport. His contributions extended beyond bullfighting, with Sutton also remembered for his involvement in producing rodeo acts and creating opportunities throughout the industry.
Other tributes highlighted Sutton’s influence on individual careers. Flint Rasmussen recalled that Sutton and his family gave him opportunities that helped advance his career, both in the arena and in broadcasting, including helping him begin in the talk-show direction. Chad Berger also remembered Sutton as an iconic figure in rodeo and recalled hearing Sutton speak about being drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers and having to choose between pursuing basketball or continuing toward the National Finals Rodeo with his stock.
Sutton’s family said his influence will continue through the values he taught, the land he loved and the stock he raised. They remembered him as a great man, cowboy, father, grandfather and leader, expressing sorrow at his passing while also giving thanks for a life they described as well lived. His services are pending, and the family said Sutton requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to SDSU Athletic-Rodeo/Basketball, the Casey Tibbs Hall of Fame in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, or the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His family, friends and the wider rodeo community now mourn a man whose legacy will continue through the people, traditions and opportunities he helped shape.
