Former Senator Jim Inhofe, who served Oklahoma for 28 years, has died at the age of 89

Former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma has died at the age of 89, a former employee said. He fell ill suddenly and unexpectedly over the holiday weekend. He died peacefully, his wife Kay holding his hand, surrounded by his children Molly, Jimmy and Katy, the employee said. His son Perry died in a plane crash in 2013.

The prominent Republican chaired several committees and largely supported GOP policies.

Inhofe was born in Iowa in 1934 and moved with his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1942. He grew up in Tulsa, attended Central High School and later graduated from the University of Tulsa. He served in the Army for three years, then began a career with his father’s insurance company before beginning his political career.

Inhofe served three years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and eight years in the Oklahoma Senate. He ran unsuccessfully for governor and Congress before serving three terms as mayor of Tulsa.

After his time as mayor, Inhofe served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Inhofe was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1994, replacing Senator David Boren, who resigned to become president of the University of Oklahoma. After winning the 1994 special election, Inhofe was re-elected five times, most recently in 2020. He resigned in January 2023.

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During his tenure in the Senate, he served as chairman of the Armed Services Committee from 2018 to 2021 and as chairman of the Environment Committee from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2015 to 2017.

Representative Kevin Hern described Inhofe as a mentor.

“Senator Jim Inhofe was a dear friend and mentor, a titan in Oklahoma and a highly effective leader in Washington. Tammy and I keep Kay and the rest of the Inhofe family in our prayers,” Hern said. “Jim spent his life serving his country, both in uniform and in the halls of Congress. He will always be remembered as a fighter, especially for our military members. Jim’s legacy of service, leadership and faith reflects the Oklahoma Standard and the pride he took in his work.”

Governor Kevin Stitt ordered flags on state property to be flown at half-staff in his honor.

“Sarah and I are saddened by the news of Senator Inhofe’s passing, and our condolences go out to Kay, her children and grandchildren,” Stitt said. “Jim was an Oklahoman who worked tirelessly for our veterans, never wavered in his defense of our values ​​and believed firmly in the American dream. Jim will be remembered as a true statesman and public servant – and a fighter for Oklahoma.”

In addition to his political career, Inhofe was also an enthusiastic pilot. He received his pilot’s license at the age of 28 and remained an active pilot for most of his life.