Jim Sharp was born in Kermit, a small town in west Texas, on October 6, 1965. He has one sister, Laurie and one brother, Jason.

Jim's dad, James, always had an interest in the ranching industry and Jim's mom, Billie, was the daughter of a ranch cowboy and the granddaughter of pioneer ranchers. So, it was no surprise when Jim showed an interest in being a cowboy at a very young age.

As a toddler, Jim rode everything from a toy rocking horse to the arms of the living room couch and chair. As he got a little older, he would ride roping calves and practically any other moving object. He seemed to have no fear.

Jim had a very normal childhood; he was a cub scout, attended church, played sports and was an average student.

At age 9, Jim actually got to ride in a real rodeo. His first rodeo was in Pecos, Texas. He was bucked off almost before the gate was opened! His parents thought that such a defeat would discourage him but instead Jim went on to the next rodeo in Andrews, Texas. He rode well and won the show in Andrews and that was the start of Jim Sharp "WORLD CHAMPION".

Jim played all types of sports through junior high, but as he entered high school, he had to start picking and choosing. His love was rodeo and during his school years Jim rode in an average of 3 rodeos per week. He also played high school football --a 140-pound nose-guard and running back-- and was able to maintain his rodeo requirements. It wasn't easy, but Jim worked hard and did it!.

Jim's

In fact, Jim's professional career began while he attended Odessa College. He won many bull riding awards throughout his college years and continued into a long and stellar professional career that has proven difficult to match for many younger bull riders.

Today, Jim enjoys helping his friends work cattle, taking care of his horses, roping, family and friends. He is especially fond of his two nieces and loves spending time with them. And of course, he still loves riding bulls.

Jim Sharp is a very quiet, caring person. His mother says that, as a child, he would often bring home the little boy with no parents, the little dog with no home, or the child that no one else would play with. We see the same caring heart and giving spirit in the adult Jim Sharp, today.

In 1986, at the NFR Finals, Bob Tallman described Jim as a "great young man" and those who get the opportunity to meet "the Razor" tend to agree with him.