January 12, 1952 – April 9, 2022
Dan O. “Bud” Munroe was born January 12, 1952, in Lewistown, Montana. A Montana State University graduate, he was the 1975 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) National Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and Reserve All-Around Champion. A 12-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Munroe was the 1986 World Champion Bronc Rider. A former PRCA Saddle Bronc Director, he serves on the PRCA Properties Board and Grievance Committee. Photo by Brenda Allen at the 1986 NFR, riding Many Colors owned by Brookman
Coaching from Bill Smith, Mel Hyland and later from his brother-in-law 1977 World Saddle Bronc champion J.C. Bonine got Bud Munroe off on the fast track to a career in rodeo. It was talent and hard work that turned him into one of the most respected saddle bronc riders of his era. The Billings, Mont., cowboy earned a spot in the National Finals Rodeo 12 consecutive years (1977-88), with eight finishes among the top five in the world. He was second in the World Championship standings in 1978 and 1980, before breaking through to claim the gold buckle over fellow Hall of Fame inductee Clint Johnson in 1986 becoming the first saddle bronc rider to earn $100,000 in a single season along the way.
Munroe compete in bareback and saddle bronc riding during his four years at Montana State University while earning a degree in agricultural business. He won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association saddle bronc title in 1975 and was second in the all-around, helping the Bobcats capture the NIRA team championship.
Riding Frontier Airlines Owned by Beutler & Cervi at the 1987 NFR … photo by Brenda Allen.
Devoted to the development of his sport, Munroe served as PRCA saddle bronc director (1980-81), on the PRCA Grievance Committee (2003-07) and on the PRCA Properties Board for nearly 20 years. He was also a long-time committeeman of the Heart O’Texas Rodeo in Waco. Over the years, he served on different committees and boards within the PRCA. In 1990, he received the PRCA John Justin Standard of the West Committeeman of the Year award for his long-standing service and dedication to the Heart of Texas Rodeo Committee. Bud has had the honor of being inducted into the PRCA Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the Montana State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He and his wife, Jimmie, were both inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 2016. Photo below by Rodeo News
Jimmie Gibbs Munroe was born April 15, 1952 in Waco, Texas. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, she was the NIRA National Champion Barrel Racer in 1974 and 1975 and NIRA National Champion All-Around Cowgirl in 1974. She competed at 11 NFRs on three different horses, and in 1975 was the WPRA World Barrel Racing Champion, World Champion Tie-Down Roper, and All-Around Champion. The 1996 Tad Lucas Award winner, Munroe was WPRA president from 1979 to 1993 and 2011 to 2012, where she led efforts to increase female barrel racers’ earnings to match those of their male counterparts. She was also chairperson of the PWBR Board of Directors from 2006 to 2008.
Bud lived with his wife, Jimmie, live in Valley Mills, Texas, home. They have one daughter, Tassie, who lives in Fort Worth.
