Jim Gladstone, Jr.
Rodeo Athlete — Inducted 1980
Jim Gladstone Jr. was one of Canada’s most accomplished rodeo competitors and a trailblazer in timed-event competition on the international stage.
Raised in southern Alberta, Gladstone demonstrated outstanding athletic ability as a youth, competing in basketball and track and field before ultimately dedicating himself to rodeo. Although he initially enjoyed steer wrestling, calf roping became his primary event and the discipline in which he achieved his greatest success.
Gladstone captured the Canadian Calf Roping Championship three times, winning national titles in 1969, 1971, and 1973. Known for his speed, precision, and consistency under pressure, he established himself as one of Canada’s elite rodeo athletes.
In 1977, Gladstone made rodeo history by becoming the first Canadian to win a World Championship title in a timed rodeo event, defeating an international field at Oklahoma City. His achievement marked a significant milestone for Canadian rodeo competitors competing at the world level.
After Induction
Following his retirement from professional rodeo competition, Gladstone pursued a successful legal career and passed the bar examination in 1986.
Throughout his life, he remained highly respected for both his athletic accomplishments and his contributions to the sport of rodeo in Canada.
Jim Gladstone Jr. passed away on May 16, 2015.
Honours & Recognition
- Canadian Calf Roping Champion — 1969, 1971, 1973
- 1977 — World Champion (Timed Rodeo Event — Calf Roping), Oklahoma City
- Alberta Sports Hall of Fame — Inductee (1980)
- Cardston Hall of Fame — Inductee
- Ponoka Stampede Hall of Fame — Inductee
- Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame — Inductee
- Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame — Inductee
