Jim Inhofe, the longest serving senator from Oklahoma, has died, his family announced. He was 89.
Inhofe died after a stroke over the July 4 holiday, his family said in a statement.
“He passed peacefully, surrounded by his wife Kay, and his three surviving children, Molly, Jimmy and Katy,” the statement said. “His son Perry passed away several years ago in a private airplane accident in Tulsa.”
Inhofe served in the U.S. Senate from 1994 until his retirement in 2023. During his time in office, he chaired the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Armed Services Committee.
Sen. James Inhofe speaks to reporters following a GOP policy meeting on Capitol Hill, June 30, 2020.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP, FILE
He was known for his opposition to climate science and famously brought a snowball onto the floor of the Senate in 2015 as evidence that global warming is not real.
Inhofe also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994.
Prior to serving in Congress, Inhofe served in various elected offices in Oklahoma, including in the state Senate, the state House of Representatives and as the mayor of Tulsa.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Inhofe grew up in Oklahoma and attended the University of Tulsa. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1958.
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Former US Senator from Oklahoma, Jim Inhofe, passes away at the age of 89
Former US Senator from Oklahoma, Jim Inhofe, passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday, November 21st, 2021. Inhofe served in the Senate for over two decades, representing the state of Oklahoma with dedication and passion.
Inhofe was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1934 and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma at a young age. He began his political career in the Oklahoma State Legislature, serving in both the House of Representatives and the Senate before being elected to the US Senate in 1994.
During his time in the Senate, Inhofe was known for his conservative views and strong stance on issues such as national security, defense spending, and environmental policy. He was a vocal critic of climate change science and was a staunch supporter of the military and veterans.
Inhofe was also known for his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he served as chairman from 2015 to 2019. He was a strong advocate for a robust national defense and worked tirelessly to ensure that the US military had the resources it needed to protect the country.
In addition to his work in the Senate, Inhofe was also a successful businessman, owning and operating a construction company in Tulsa. He was a proud Oklahoman and always put the needs of his constituents first.
Inhofe’s passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called Inhofe “a dedicated public servant who always fought for what he believed in.” Former President George W. Bush praised Inhofe as “a true patriot who served his country with honor and distinction.”
Inhofe is survived by his wife, Kay, and their four children. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his state and country and his commitment to public service. May he rest in peace.
