September 6, 1943
James Fredrick Johnston or known as Jim Johnston has a lifelong passion in the rodeo and ranching industries. He was born on September 6, 1943 in Alliance Nebraska. His parents are Fred and Dorothy Johnston and his two siblings are Jack and Barb. His wife is Judy Johnston and their four children are James Chad, Jason, Jeff, and Joel Johnston. Jim first lived on the North Loup River; he then moved to Goose Creek in 1948-1962.
His family then bought the Johnston ranch by Thedford Nebraska in 1962. Jim first started off being a cowboy at only 6 years old when he competed in his first rodeo, a calf riding in Chambers Nebraska. He then forged his way ahead by winning his first buckle in Valentine Nebraska in 1959. He kept steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, and his favorite, bull riding, all through his career. Jim’s competitive nature was evident when Jim stated, “If I hadn’t won any event but bull riding it was pretty upsetting.” Jim excelled in bull riding such being proved when he won the National High School Rodeo Finals National championship in bull riding in 1962. He also helped his college team when he led them to a national championship in 1963 and 1964. Jim also was awarded all around cowboy in 1963 and 1967.
After college he won many amateur rodeos but when asked which ones there were too many to list. Jim said he loved rodeo because he liked adventure and having fun.
Jim also said that rodeo affected him in a very positive way and that his father also rodeoed and it is something he’d grown up with. He stated, “For people who love livestock it’s fun for them, and for competitive people when you win it’s just enough to make you want to go to another rodeo to try and win again.” While rodeo was a positive experience for Jim there were also some struggles, some he still has today. One major hardship was when a bull horn hit him in the left ear which caused him to lose hearing in his left ear. This didn’t stop Jim though because even without much hearing in his left ear and hearing aids he is still the funny and caring man he’s always been.
In 1966 his father, Fred, got injured hazing a steer when the steer cut in front of his horse and caused the horse and Fred to roll. This ended in Fred being paralyzed on his right side and Jim taking over the ranch. Jim wanted to start running the ranch so when his dad got hurt he stepped up and took care of the ranch at only 23 years old. His ranching career also had some interesting facts such as Jim serving on the Sandhills Cattle Association board for several years.
When asked what his favorite thing about being a cowboy is he joked, “Getting bucked off and ran over, those are things you have to get used to if you are a cowboy.” He then added’ “I love being around horses and cattle.” Jim didn’t just compete in rodeo he helped provide animals and judge for rodeo too. He was awarded judge of the year in 1997. He was a stock contractor for 20 years. He was the Nebraska State Association and Mid-State Rodeo Association timed event contractor of the year in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 Jim was Nebraskaland Days Trailboss.
Jim also owned a feed business for 25 years. Now Jim likes helping at the ranch and watching his grandchildren rodeo and do sports. Jim Johnston has always had a passion in the rodeo and ranching industries and will continue to support his family and friends who also have that passion that drove him to be the amazing cowboy he is today.