OKLAHOMA (OBV) – Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma’s longest-serving U.S. senator, has died at age 89.
The late senator’s family confirmed his death on Tuesday.
Inhofe had a prolific political career that spanned more than 50 years.
He served in the Oklahoma Legislature, was mayor of Tulsa, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995 and the U.S. Senate from 1994 to 2023.
“We lost a great Oklahoman today. Sen. Inhofe had a 50-plus year career of relationships and getting stuff done. He was always bringing good projects to Oklahoma,” said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of The State Chamber of Oklahoma. “Sen. Inhofe’s record was unmatched. His service to Oklahoma – from serving in the Oklahoma legislature, to being the mayor of Tulsa, to his many years in the United States Senate – was just remarkable. He was a family man and just as genuine as you could be.”
Inhofe was a stalwart champion of aviation and the aerospace industry. The State Chamber honored Inhofe’s many contributions to aviation by helping establish the Senator James M. Inhofe FAA Knowledge Test Scholarship in 2022. The award helps cover testing fees for Oklahoma high school students who are enrolled in the AOPA Foundation’s “You Can Fly” STEM curriculum.
“My hope is that his passion for flying is going to help kids take that first step to getting their pilot’s license and achieve a good career in aviation,” Warmington said. “It’s a perfect, symbolic testament of what he meant to Oklahoma and aviation. Sen. Inhofe’s legacy will lead to a whole new generation of kids involved in aerospace.”
Several national and Oklahoma legislative leaders, as well as Gov. Kevin Stitt, issued statements on Tuesday, memorializing Inhofe.
“Cindy and I are deeply saddened about the loss of Oklahoma’s favorite son, Senator Jim Inhofe. We grieve along with our state and nation the loss of a true patriot for our American values and way of life. Jim was an institution in the Senate. He kept his relationship with Jesus, his family, and all Oklahomans as his priority. His passion for our military, aviation, energy, infrastructure, Africa, and our personal freedom was vital for our state and our nation. He was a true legend and a force to be reckoned with.
Cindy and I pray along with his wife, Kay, their children, grandchildren, friends, and fellow Oklahomans for peace and comfort as they walk through this difficult season.”
U.S. Sen. James Lankford
“I was saddened to learn this morning that our longtime former colleague, and my good friend, Jim Inhofe, passed away overnight. For nearly three decades, the Senator for Oklahoma lived up to his unique and distinguished middle name: Jim was a Mountain of a man.
The people he served, a group much larger than the proud residents of the Sooner State, were better for it. Jim’s diligent stewardship of massive infrastructure projects transformed life across the Heartland. His relentless advocacy for American energy dominance unlocked new prosperity across the country. And his laser focus on growing and modernizing the U.S. military strengthened the security of the entire free world.
Jim’s professional legacy was one that any aspiring legislator would dream of. But the legacy our friend was most proud of was the one that had surpassed his own wildest dreams: the life and family he had been blessed to build with his beloved wife, Kay.
Today, I trust the entire Senate’s sympathies and prayers are with the woman who the Mountain from Oklahoma called his ‘rock’, and with the children and grandchildren of whom our friend was so proud.”
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
“Sarah and I are saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Inhofe and our hearts go out to Kay, their children and grandchildren. Jim was a generational Oklahoman who relentlessly championed our veterans, never wavered in protecting our values, and a firm believer in the American Dream. Jim will be remembered as a true statesman and public servant— and a fighter for Oklahoma.
In honor of his memory and service, I’m ordering all flags on state property to be flown at half-staff until tomorrow evening.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt
“Sen. Jim Inhofe was someone who truly lived up to his middle name of Mountain. A giant in Oklahoma and American politics, his steadfast leadership helped shape the course of our state and nation for decades. His contributions to our nation’s military and aviation infrastructure will benefit our country for generations to come, and his commitment to his conservative values was unwavering. There are few who have served in the U.S. Senate who were as well-respected and revered as Sen. Inhofe, and we truly will not see his like again. My condolences go out to his family during this extremely difficult time.”
Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall
“Senator Inhofe was a resolute Republican who served his state and nation for nearly six decades in various roles. Unwavering in his beliefs and conservative values, he championed many causes during his career, including his support for the military, national defense and infrastructure. His dedication and influence in shaping policies in both Oklahoma and on a national level have left a lasting impact. My wife Maressa and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and many friends.”
Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat
“My condolences go out to the family and friends of Senator Jim Inhofe. He was a tenacious leader, state representative, and United States Senator who stood firm in his convictions. He bravely served our country in more ways than one and has left a long lasting impact on the State of Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson
“Few have done more than James Mountain Inhofe for the people of Oklahoma. From supporting countless miles of infrastructure development, standing up for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, his commitment to our men and women in uniform, or his unwavering commitment to conservative values, and so much more, Oklahoma lost an irreplaceable legend.”
Oklahoma House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols
