FORT WORTH, TX—NOVEMBER 11, 2017—Jim Abney, 73, Fort Worth, TX, passed away Friday (Nov. 3) after a brief illness. A graduate of West Texas State University, during his career, Abney wore many hats in the horse and livestock industries.

As a private contractor, he served as a bid spotter for all the National Cutting Horse Sales in Fort Worth, as well as for the Ruidoso Select Race Horse Yearling Sales in New Mexico, and many other show, race, ranch horse and equipment sales.

A memorial service for Jim will be held during the NCHA Futurity, at 6:30 p.m. on December 5, in the South Texas Room at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Jim was born June 8, 1944, to Temple and Pauline Abney in Clayton, New Mexico. He graduated from Texline High School and West Texas State University, and served in the National Guard. Jim worked for the Polled Hereford Association, Western Livestock Journal, The American Quarter Horse Journal, and he was in charge of the horse show at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for several years.

Jim loved the outdoors and rafting the rivers of the Western United States. Jim always had a story or a joke to share. He enjoyed country western dancing, working in his yard, and cussing and discussing politics.

Jim is survived by one son, Sam Abney and wife Kathryn of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The pride and joy of his life were grandsons Shields and Porter and granddaughter Heyward. He is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Detten of Seminole, Texas; Alicia Niemeier of Amarillo, Texas; and one brother Temple Abney and wife Karen of Hereford, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.