James D. "J.D." Vandewark

Moving to Cheyenne in the 1950s, J.D. immediately became a volunteer for Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and remained so for the next 40 years. Rising to Night Show Committee Chairman in 1968, he held that position until 1970, bringing “Your Father’s Mustache” in to perform and upgrading the Carnival. After stepping down from that role, J.D. spent the next 25 years working the Rodeo Rough Stock event. As a member of the HEELS organization, he shot the 8-second gun for the bucking events. As a trustee of the estate of his father, Floyd F. Vandewark, J.D. financed the reconstruction of the CFD™ Old West Museum and made the Vandewark Wing a reality, preserving the history and culture of Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and the West. J.D.’s commitment to Cheyenne Frontier Days™, the history of the rodeo and the West continued until his death in 2001.