Jim Bob Altizer

World Champion Calf, Steer, & Tie-Down Roper
1932-1997

Jim Bob Altizer was the first man ever to come out of a Junior Rodeo competition to win a world title and claim the steer roping crown.  In 1947 at 15 years of age, Jim Bob won the State Championship in Breakaway Roping.  In 1948, he became Schoolboy Tie-down Champion of the World.  Jim Bob won the World Champion Calf Roping title in 1959 and the World Champion Steer Roping title in 1967.  

          Jim Bob spent the majority of his career ranked in the top 10 in the world in calf roping and went on to serve as steer roping representative for the PRCA.  As important as his skills and his achievements as a contestant were, the loyalty and dedication that Jim Bob gave to Pro Rodeo through the years were equal in stature.  Jim Bob excelled in matched roping and was always a favorite at such events.  He entered both calf roping and steer roping many times at the West of the Pecos Rodeo.  

          Jim Bob was inducted into the PRCA Hall of Fame in 1979, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1995 and posthumously inducted into both the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2009.  He never forgot the start that Junior Rodeo gave him and for years, Jim Bob conducted free roping schools and clinics for youthful ropers on his ranch near Del Rio.  

          Jim Bob was born in Del Rio, Texas on May 19, 1932, to Olin and Estella Cauthorn Altizer.  He passed away on December 12, 1997, at the age of 65.  He is survived by his wife Minnie Lee Weathersbee Altizer, son, 2023 inductee, Mack Altizer, daughter Sherry Altizer Ingham and two granddaughters.  His sister, Blanche Altizer Smith is a fellow 2014 TRHoF Inductee.