James "Jim" Ellers, Jr. passed away on Friday at the age of 93. Services are set for October 1st.

courtesy of 75 Years Brangus Celebration Facebook page

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

BRYAN, TX–SEPTEMBER 28, 2025—The Quarter Horse racing and breeding industry lost a great horseman with the passing of James “Jim” M. Eller Jr., who died on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was 93. Eller leaves a legacy in both the cattle and quarter horse racing industries.

Eller’s legacy in the livestock industry began long before his imprint on the Quarter Horse world. Prior to 1972, he managed several large cattle operations across Texas. In 1972, together with his brother David, Eller founded Granada Land and Cattle Company. What began as a registered Brangus cattle venture expanded to include other breeds, a genetics company, and a horse program.

The operation later evolved into Granada Corporation, a vertically integrated management service company for the beef industry. Known for its innovation and scale, Granada Corporation became a force in Texas ranching. Its annual Granada Gala, a black-tie marketing event held in Houston hotel ballrooms, became one of the most unique gatherings in the livestock industry of its era.

Eller’s leadership was recognized nationally. He served as President of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) in 1982–1983 and as President of the Texas Brangus Breeders Association, helping shape the future of the Brangus breed.

Granada Farms and Quarter Horse Legacy
In 1984, Eller shifted his focus to the Quarter Horse racing industry when he and his son, Jimmy Eller, established Granada Farms as you know it today.

Under the Ellers’ direction, Granada quickly became a leader in Texas and nationally, managing the breeding careers of legendary stallions such as Windy Ryon, Ronas Ryon, Runaway Winner, and Streakin La Jolla, as well as cutting horse greats like Doc’s Oak, Doc Per, and Personality Doc.

Granada Farms’ reputation as one of the premier stallion stations in the Southwest was built on the foundation Jim Eller helped create. His vision and business acumen provided a bridge between the cattle industry and the Quarter Horse world, elevating Granada Farms into a household name for breeders and owners alike.

James “Jim” M. Eller Jr. will be remembered for his accomplishments and his ability to merge traditional ranching values with forward-looking strategies in both cattle and quarter horses. His influence continues through Granada Farms and through the countless breeders and horsemen impacted by his leadership.

SERVICES
Services will be held Wednesday, October 1, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory in Bryan. Visitation is scheduled from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. A reception will take place from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at College Station Memorial Cemetery at 1:15 p.m.

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