J.R. DeSpain

J.R. DeSpain was born on October 17, 1949 in Holbrook, Arizona to Mit and Maurine DeSpain and is one of five children. Shortly after 1950, the family moved to House Rock Valley near Fredonia, Arizona, on a ranch that overlooked the Arizona strip. After a few hard years of drought, the DeSpain family moved back to Joseph City where J.R. started school in Holbrook.

Mr. DeSpain is the third generation of ranching. Scouting, 4-H and helping his parents with chores were J.R.’s full time jobs while growing up. After graduating from high school, Mr. DeSpain attended two years at Eastern Arizona College and two years at the University of Arizona in Tucson. His major was Range Management and a minor in Business. Mr. DeSpain was the Navajo County Treasurer from January 1978 until November of 2000.

His personal accomplishments include: Eagle Scout and Duty to God Award in 1967, Navajo County Fair Board Chairman in 1981, 4-H Alumni Award in 1981, Arizona Association of Counties’ Treasurer’s President from 1982-84, Navajo County Extension Board Treasurer from 1996 to 1997, Navajo County Board of Supervisor Chairman in 2004, Little Colorado RC&D President from 2001 to 2003, President of Navajo County Cattlemen in 2005, and 2007 President of Arizona Association of Counties’ Board of Directors. Mr. DeSpain is currently Chairman for EDC for NACOG, NACOG Regional Council, and Navajo County Representative for SWAG

He currently lives at Obed Ranch, South of Joseph City with his wife, Linda. Mr. DeSpain and his wife have five children and four grandchildren. The DeSpain family owns a commercial cow/calf herd on about 15,000 acres of leased land.

Supervisor DeSpain represents areas in District III including, Holbrook, Joseph City, Winslow, Snowflake, Taylor and surrounding areas.