The rodeo world is grappling with the loss of a true pioneer and beloved figure as Navajo bull riding legend Spud Jones passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 36. Known for his remarkable achievements and inspiring character, Jones left a lasting legacy as the first Navajo bull rider to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2008. His journey from a small town on the Navajo reservation to the bright lights of Las Vegas is a testament to his dedication, passion, and the barriers he broke for Native American athletes in the sport of rodeo.
Spud Jones, who grew up in the one-stoplight town of Tohatchi, New Mexico, was a towering figure at 6-foot-1 and carried a smile that endeared him to fans and fellow competitors alike. He was the son of J.W. and Michaelene Jones and had three sisters: Twila, Mikala, and Fallon. His family confirmed his death on social media, with sister Twila sharing a heartfelt message on Facebook: "With great sadness, we the family of Spud Jones announce his passing on July 4, 2025. Whether you knew Spud through the sport of rodeo or had the privilege of crossing paths with him personally, you knew he had a big heart, a strong spirit, and a presence that will be deeply missed."
Though the family has not publicly disclosed the specific health issues Jones faced, the country news-themed Instagram account Country Rebel reported that he "passed away in his sleep after dealing with ongoing health issues." Importantly, his death was not related to any rodeo accident, providing some comfort amid the tragedy.
Jones's rodeo career was marked by several notable milestones. He earned his professional card at just 18 years old and quickly made his mark. In 2008, at the age of 20, he finished 13th in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world standings and qualified for the NFR during its 50th anniversary, a milestone that made history for the Navajo community. That same year, he clinched the championship at the Dodge Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
His success at the NFR was impressive, earning more than $27,000 and placing in two rounds. Jones's year-end earnings in 2008 were just shy of $100,000, underscoring his competitive prowess. Over his career, he also captured titles at prestigious events such as the National Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver and the Lea County Fair & Rodeo in Lovington, New Mexico.
Jones's family played a significant role in his rodeo life. His father, J.W., was a bull rider himself, competing professionally from 1987 to 1994. This familial connection helped foster Jones's passion for bull riding, even as his mother, Michaelene, initially worried about the dangers of the sport. She recalled how she feared for his safety and how deeply her son wanted to ride bulls. "He was so upset," she said. "He wanted to ride bulls so bad, but I didn't want him to get hurt. He was always so tough as a kid."
Spud Jones's career also included a stint in the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) circuit between 2007 and 2011. During his 22 outings, he earned just under $7,500, with highlights including a first-place finish in Perryton, Texas, and a second-place finish in Craig, Colorado, in his debut season. His last professional event took place in Prescott Valley, Arizona, in April 2011, where he finished fifth.
Despite stepping back from professional competition, Jones remained a beloved figure in the rodeo community. Diné rodeo announcer Jacob Todechine paid tribute to Jones on social media, stating, "Everyone wanted to be like Spud Jones. He was someone I truly looked up to, the one who inspired me to ride bulls and carry myself with pride. What made Spud special wasn’t what he did in the arena, but how he carried himself outside of it. At junior rodeos, he never hesitated to help. He never forgot where he come from and he never stopped giving back. That’s what made him the kind of cowboy and the kind of man we all admired." Former PBR and PRCA bull rider Tuff Hedeman also expressed his condolences, writing, "Our rodeo family has been hit with another loss. Spud Jones, gone too soon. My condolences go out to all his family and friends. Rest easy, Cowboy."
Christopher Baker, a rodeo enthusiast, echoed these sentiments on Facebook, sharing, "If there was someone I looked to the most it had to be Spud Jones. Watching his old videos meant so much to me and would always motivate me to try harder. Spud inspired many young including myself bull riders to go beyond their limits and showed that everything’s possible if you put your time and effort in it. Rest easy Spud thank you for paving the way for us young up and coming bull riders we will miss you dearly."
Throughout his career, Jones was known not just for his skill on the bull but for his infectious smile and positive spirit. His father fondly remembers the times they spent traveling the rodeo circuit together. "Some of my favorite memories are when we were on the road," J.W. said. "I did the schedule for him. We went all over. He just wanted to compete and he always had a smile on his face." Jones himself once told a local news outlet, "I love the rush. Love going down the road, driving down the road, going to rodeo meeting friends." His passion for the sport was evident to all who knew him.
Jones's funeral service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at The Door Christian Fellowship Church in Gallup, New Mexico. Burial will follow at the Tohatchi Community Cemetery, with a reception at the Twin Lakes Chapter House. The rodeo community and fans across the nation are invited to honor the life and legacy of a man who broke barriers and inspired countless others to chase their dreams.
Spud Jones’s journey from the Navajo Nation to rodeo stardom is a story of resilience, dedication, and heart. His impact transcends the arena, leaving a legacy not only of athletic achievement but of mentorship, pride, and cultural significance. As the rodeo family mourns, they also celebrate a life that embodied the spirit of the sport and the strength of a community.
