PROFILE: Jim Wootten was born on December 2, 1891 in Hanford, California and served with the Army Balloon Corps in World War I. In 1919, he married Lucile Wood and they became the parents of six sons. He was a butcher by profession and also bought and sold cattle.

HISTORY: When Wootten was six years old, he got his first greyhound from his uncle, Jim Bardin. The number soon increased to six, and by 1917 he owned 20 greyhounds. In 1928 Wootten formed his own kennel, leasing greyhounds to trainers who raced them in Mexico. During the 1930s, he was racing his own kennel in four states.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: JBW STAR broke the 550 yard world record with a 29.97 run in 1983 at Phoenix Greyhound Park. Other champions were MISS DISCOVERY, JUST THATCHER, EVENING STAR, BELLFAST, DON MCCLEOD, SIDNEY’S DREAM and EVENING TWILIGHT. His legacy continues through four of his sons and several grandchildren who remain active in the greyhound industry.