James Curtis Early was born on December 9, 1925, in Eddy Texas. He was the oldest son of James Clarence and Ola Mae (Odell) Early. Curtis grew up around the Rogers and Oscar area and attended Heidenheimer and Rogers schools. After a stint in the US Armed Forces he married Ruby Orr, a native of Talihina, Oklahoma. Ruby’s parents Raymond and Fay supplied Curtis with good horses and he was always willing to help those who needed a good mount.
Curtis was an avid calf roper and even owned and operated the first roping arena in Troy. He was instrumental in promoting ribbon roping, a class that involved both a mounted horseman and a quick thinking child. All the area children loved the class and would line up to be chosen to run for one of the ropers. One of the highlights of the roping events and play-days was the Annual Thanksgiving show where instead of trophies class winners took home a huge frozen turkeys for their holiday feasts.
Curtis and his wife Ruby were members of the Temple Longhorn Riding Club. They not only helped charter the original organization but were active members serving on the board for many years.
Curtis was a member of the Bell County Sherriff’s Posse organized in 1967, under the direction of then Bell County Sherriff Lester Gunn. He was an active participant, riding with the group in the rodeo grand entries and parades to support the law enforcement community of the county.
Although his colt breaking style was a bit unique, Curtis held fast to the belief that if you stepped up on a horse you better be ready to ride. Curtis was a true believer in the cowboy way and raised his children to hold that higher standard in their lives.
James Curtis Early rode into the sunset of heaven on January 9, 2007 at the age of eighty-one years. He is survived by three daughters and a son his best friend Terry. He never missed an opportunity to ride a good horse, own a good dog, or help someone in need especially a child.
