James E. “Jim” Deutsch, Class of 1940

The Real American Cowboy 

James E. “Jim” Deutsch (Class of 1940) was the National Champion Bull Rider, Champion Bareback Bronco Rider and All-Around Champion Cowboy. After leaving college and the rodeo behind, he began working in home construction and founded his own company, Stylecraft Homes, Inc. in 1967.

Later, Jim made a radical leap into the art world as a Sculptor of western, rodeo and wildlife bronzes. His bronzes found their way into many private collections as well as libraries and museums. The book, Contemporary Western Artists, featured Jim’s bronzes, but he is most proud that his work is part of the permanent art collection of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and The Museum of the American Cowboy.

One of the great “Four Horseman Backfield,” Jim loved to play Academy football in the early 1930’s – 1940. He said there is no doubt that Academy football, under the leadership of Coach Stuart Pearce, enhanced the inner character of each player. On the field he learned that team effort is more important than winning the game, and, off the field at San Antonio Academy, he learned the value of life-long friendships.