James benefits from achievements in the show ring

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Winning the Reserve Grand Champion title at Houston was just one of Nathan James' accomplishments. Pictured are (from left) Nathan James, his girlfriend Sarah Sturgell, his brother Justin James, mom Vickie James, and dad Vern James. -- Photo courtesy Barker Photography

August 5, 2004 - Winning a "big show" has always been a dream for one Collin County livestock exhibitor. Earlier this year that dream came a reality, again, for Nathan James of Prosper when he won the Reserve Grand Champion title with his steer during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Thinking his black "baldy" calf would be entered into the AOB (all other breeds) class, James was surprised when it was placed in the Chianina class. "I didn't think I would make the show," James said about the preliminary, competitive sorting of livestock entries.

But make the show he did, as did winning his class and then the Reserve championship.

"It's a good way to go out," added James, who graduated this year.

The win, which netted the FFA'er $40,000 (he plans to invest) was not the first successful attempt of his show career, which began in the third grade. He has won several times with his Shorthorn - the Reserve title in Houston twice, Reserve in Dallas, and Grand Champion award Fort Worth.

Now, James is on to another aspect of his life. He plans to spend one year saving money for future college expenses.

"I plan to go to Gainesville Community College and take the basics. Then I will transfer to Tarleton and major in animal science. Hopefully I will become a county (Extension) agent or an ag teacher," he detailed. James has obtained his CDL license and is currently hauling wheat to Fort Worth for Robbie Reynolds.

Another task for the young man will be watching younger brother Justin show steers.

"Justin had to be the second man when it came to buying a steer. Now, he can have the good ones," James said.

The duo had the Grand Champion and the Reserve Champion steers during this year's Collin County livestock show.

"It was well worth it to show, and lots of fun. I learned self confidence and discipline. Every day I had to get up and feed and wash the cattle. (Which at one time, there were eight.) My parents helped buy the cattle but didn't do the manual labor," James concluded.