JIM DORRANCE 1900-1990

Jim was born August of 1900 at Crow Creek, near Joseph, Oregon.  He was the oldest of eight children.

He grew up on the Crow Creek Ranch, doing thins a boy would do helping with the purebred and commercial cattle, haying, breaking colts, both saddle horses and work horses.  He never seemed to have fear of any horse, regardless of how rough the country was and the horses never seemed to be worried about him.  He looked real nice on a horse, even a bucking horse; not many got out from under him. (Meaning bucked him off).

In 1927 Jim bought a place of his own on the Snake River. They had two children, jimmy and Phyllis that were born there.

In 1942 he moved south to Riddle, Idaho outfit.  Jim had always wanted to come to Nevada, so in 1944 he got a job on the Mary’s River Ranch out of Deeth, Nevada for Bill Wright and later for the Seven S Marble Brothers at Deeth.  He was cow boss until 1958 running several thousand head of cattle.  A good part of the year was spent out with the wagon many buckaroos’ and a sizable remuda, keeping the calves branded doctored and moved as needed.

Jim’s highlight of the year was the Elko, Nevada Fair during Labor Day weekend.  Where always took a horse to show and caught up on the latest of his many friends and acquaintances.

Although somewhat retired, Jim needed something to do.  In 1960 he went to Battle Mountain. Nevada to work for John and Tom Marvel on the 25 Ranch where he made himself useful with the horses and cattle.  About the same time his brother Tom sold in Oregon and they both worked for the 25.

In later years Jim spent time with his brother Bill in Salinas, California ranch where he worked with brother’s Bill and Tom incorporating Tom’s training techniques with horses.

Jim spent his last years with his daughter Phyllis at Enterprise, Oregon.  He passed away at the age of 90.

Jim Dorrance was inducted into the Buckaroo Hall of Fame in September of 1999.