Michael Joe Carmichael Sr. passed away in Yuma, Ariz., Jan. 19, 2013, from complications with COPD and pneumonia, and was surrounded by his family.
M.J. was born in Southern California to Mike and Merle Carmichael. He was taught to rope at the local jackpot arenas by his father Mike Carmichael.
M.J. qualified for his first NFR in 1962, heading for Frank Ferreira, Sr. He made a total of five trips to the Finals, roping with John Bill Rodriquez 1963-1964, Ronnie Gobel 1965, and heeling for Ernest Forsberg in 1966.
He continued to rope and rodeo throughout his lifetime, placing several times at the Chowchilla 8 steer and the Oakdale 10 steer. He won the first Dr. Lane Faulk Memorial roping with long-time partner Gary Mouw in 1971. M.J. was also the team roping champion three times at the annual Riverside Rancheros roping including the first 10 steer heading for Bronc Curry.
Working each timed event at the rodeos, he took a lot of pride in the steer wrestling and hauled a bull dogging team for several years, winning the Salinas [Calif.] Rodeo (hazing John W. Jones, Sr.) He and his wife Nelda Carmichael traveled all over the country making rodeos, team ropings, barrel races and lots of friends. He raised two children, was on several rodeo committees and professional and youth association boards in California.
He was a businesses owner, but he found his real home at the race track working as an outrider in his later years, in charge of the morning workouts.
M.J. retired from the horse racing industry at Santa Anita Race Track, something he really loved. He worked at the track almost every day for 20 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by his wife Nelda, children Joe and Mollie, two sisters and his three grandchildren Marty, Cheyenne and Cole. His ashes were spread at a private ceremony.