Jack Finnerty, a celebrated multi-event competitor in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and 2019 inductee into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, passed away on December 21, 2024, in Torrington, Wyoming, ProRodeo reports.
He was 85 years old.
Born in Cheyenne in 1939, Finnerty began his cowboy journey early in life. After his father acquired the M Bar Ranch in 1945, 6-year-old Jack took on the role of a main cowhand. Reflecting on his youth, he often quipped that he became a cowboy because he was “too young to build fence.”
Finnerty attended Saint Mary’s High School in Cheyenne before briefly studying at the University of Wyoming. In 1960, he married Louise Munson, a skilled cowgirl in her own right. Together, they lived on their ranch in Slater, raising horses and Hereford cattle while fostering a life steeped in the traditions of Wyoming ranching and rodeo.
Finnerty earned numerous accolades in rodeo, excelling in bareback riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. In 1968, he was named Wyoming’s all-around champion, a testament to his versatility and skill. He remained active in the sport, riding a bull as late as age 56 during a Senior Pro Rodeo event in Nebraska.
Beyond his achievements in rodeo, Finnerty was a star athlete, excelling as a running back and track competitor, cementing his legacy as one of Wyoming’s top athletes.
Jack Finnerty’s influence extended beyond competition. He was deeply involved in promoting rodeo and mentoring others, hosting countless individuals at his ranch to practice steer wrestling and roping. He served as a judge at numerous high school rodeo finals and was the first president of the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (formerly the National Old Timers Association).
Finnerty’s contributions to rodeo were recognized with his 1997 induction into the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association Hall of Fame and his 2018 Craig Thomas Cooperative Service Award from the Wyoming Rural Electric Association.
Finnerty was also a dedicated community leader, serving on the Wyoming High School Rodeo board, the Wheatland Rural Electric Association (REA) board since 1979, and the Tri-State board since 1988, where he became the longest-serving director.
His son, Matt Finnerty, described him as embodying the “true spirit of Wyoming.” He recalled his father’s loyalty, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to family, friends, and the cowboy way of life.
“There’s no quit in him,” Matt said.
He noted that Jack instilled in his children the importance of perseverance and integrity.
Jack Finnerty’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Saturday, December 28, at noon (MT) at Wheatland High School, followed by a reception at the Fairgrounds.
