Former U.S. Senator Dies At 89

Former U.S. Republican Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma has died at the of 89.

Inhofe died on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family.

The family told the press Inhofe contracted a sickness over the Fourth of July holiday but gave no further detail.

Inhofe retired from the Senate in 2023 after serving 20 years as a senator.

We pray for the family of Senator Jim Inhofe — an incredible leader and great man.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/aVSsn8Eakc

— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) July 9, 2024

My statement below on the passing of one of Oklahoma's titans, Senator Inhofe. pic.twitter.com/CP4leZom4O

— Rep. Stephanie Bice (@RepBice) July 9, 2024

Here’s what The Hill reported:

Former Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has died at the age of 89, his family announced Tuesday.

Inhofe died shortly before 5 a.m. on Tuesday, surrounded by his wife, Kay, and three surviving children, Molly, Jimmy and Katy, the family said.

Inhofe’s family said he contracted a sudden illness over the holiday, but did not provide details.

His death comes nearly two years after the former senator retired from the upper chamber in 2023 after serving for more than 20 years in Congress. He was Oklahoma’s longest-serving U.S. senator.

Prior to his time in the Senate, Inhofe served in the House and as the mayor of Tulsa for six years.
Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) paid tribute to Inhofe in a statement Tuesday, calling the late senator a “dear friend and mentor, a titan in Oklahoma and a higher effective leader in D.C.”

“He will always be remembered as a fighter, especially for our military service members,” Hern wrote in a statement. “Jim’s legacy of service, leadership, and faith reflect the Oklahoma Standard and the pride he held in his work.”

Jim Inhofe was a kind and decent man who dedicated his life, both in the military and public office, to serving this great country. May his memory be a blessing to his family and the entire state of Oklahoma.https://t.co/gAjmlFlLe2

— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 9, 2024

Per The Oklahoman:

James Inhofe, the firebrand Republican Senator whose political career covered six decades, has died, the Tulsa World reported Tuesday.

Inhofe, 89, served in the Oklahoma Legislature, as mayor of Tulsa, in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the the United States Senate. Funeral services are pending.

Inhofe was the definition of a career politician, had served in the U. S. Senate since late 1994. He was is the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Oklahoma history. Before the Senate, he was a member of the U.S. House for eight years. Prior to that he spent four years as mayor of Tulsa and 10 years in the Oklahoma Legislature. He was the Republican nominee for governor in 1974 but lost to Democrat David Boren, the man he would later succeed in the Senate.

One of the Senator’s colleagues, Tulsa Congressman Kevin Hern said Inhofe was a dear friend and mentor and a titan in Oklahoma.

“Tammy and I are keeping Kay and the rest of the Inhofe family in our prayers,” Hern said in a media statement. “Jim spent his life in service to his country, both in uniform and in the halls of Congress. He will always be remembered as a fighter, especially for our military service members. Jim’s legacy of service, leadership, and faith reflect the Oklahoma Standard and the pride he held in his work. Along with the family, friends, and many Oklahomans who knew and loved him, I mourn the loss of a great man.”

Politico took the opportunity to bash Inhofe after his death was announced:

If you’re a legendary Republican, Politico will dance on your grave when you die

RIP Jim Inhofe

Eventually Republicans will cut these outlets off pic.twitter.com/OxJpmMK0EV

— Matthew Foldi (@MatthewFoldi) July 9, 2024