Oklahoma leaders mourn passing of former U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe

Oklahoma political icon James Mountain Inhofe passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday following a stroke. The longest serving U.S. Senator in Oklahoma history, Inhofe had a storied political career that began in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1966, and included stints in the Oklahoma Senate, as Tulsa Mayor, then the U.S. House of Representatives before winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1994.

I didn't realize this, but Inhofe played a key role in getting the USS Batfish submarine to Oklahoma (originally intended for Tulsa, it found a home instead in Muskogee.

Below are statements from various elected officials:

Lankford, Mullin, Full Senate Honor Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe

WASHINGTON, DC (July 11th) – Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and every member of the Senate supported passage today of Lankford and Mullin’s Senate resolution to honor the life, legacy, and memory of Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, after his passing on July 9. The Senators were joined by their colleagues to honor Inhofe, Oklahoma’s longest-serving US Senator, and his long career in public service in which he served Oklahomans, fought for our military and veterans, protected our nation’s infrastructure, provided support and recognition to African nations and the humanitarian and strategic defense relationships we share, worked to support aviation, and much more. Lankford led numerous Senate colleagues in remembering Inhofe on the Senate floor this week.

“Senator Inhofe was a remarkable father, husband, brother, friend, mentor, and an accomplished United States Senator with an exemplary record of service to the state of Oklahoma,” said Lankford. “Our resolution cements his legacy into the written history of the Senate to ensure future generations know his many contributions to our state and nation, particularly for our military and veterans. Cindy and I join Senator Inhofe’s family, friends, former staff, and the entire Senate to officially recognize the many debts our state and nation owe to the service of James Mountain Inhofe.”

“Senator Jim Inhofe was a mountain of a man and someone we could all learn from,” said Mullin. “His legacy will be long lasting in Oklahoma and in the halls of Congress. May we always strive to serve our state with the tenacity and values of God and Country that Senator Inhofe held so dear. It’s an honor to join my colleagues in officially recognizing Senator Inhofe’s life of service and his contributions to our great state.”

U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R): “Senator Jim Inhofe was a dear friend and mentor, a titan in Oklahoma, and a highly effective leader in DC,” said Rep. Hern. “Tammy and I are keeping Kay and the rest of the Inhofe family in our prayers. 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.”

Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-OKC): “Senator Inhofe was a resolute Republican who served his state and nation for nearly six decades in various roles,” Pro Tem Treat said. “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.”

U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R): “I am very sad to hear of the passing of former Oklahoma United States Senator Jim Inhofe. Jim and his family devoted nearly sixty years of public service for the people of Oklahoma. May the peace that only the Lord can provide be with the Inhofe family during this difficult time,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R): "Today, Oklahoma mourns the loss of a true champion for our state with the passing of Senator Jim Inhofe. From fighting for our military to focusing on transportation infrastructure, Jim was a true servant for all Oklahomans. It is a profound loss, and I am praying for his wife Kay and the entire Inhofe family."

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R): "Today, Oklahoma and the entire country mourn the loss of Senator Jim Inhofe. The true embodiment of a public servant, Jim spent five decades faithfully serving the people of Oklahoma with the utmost integrity and purpose. His calling to do so began in the Oklahoma Legislature and later as the mayor of Tulsa, where he proved to be a selfless steward of his community. His long career in the United States House and Senate serves as a testament to his strong moral compass and innate desire to better his home state. From being a larger-than-life advocate for Oklahoma’s military installations to improving infrastructure across the state, Jim Inhofe has made an impact on Oklahomans that will be felt for generations. Watching and learning under his leadership has only strengthened my sense of duty, and I have always used his character as a guidepost in my endeavors. Lynda and I join Oklahomans everywhere in mourning this great loss and praying for his family."

Oklahoma House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-OKC): “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 Governor Kevin Stitt: "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."

State Superintendent Ryan Walters: "My family and I join all Oklahomans in mourning the passing of Senator Jim Inhofe today. Senator Inhofe embodied the best of Oklahoma values not only in his service in Washington, DC but also in his private life.  His commitment to the people of Oklahoma was unmatched, and he leaves a lasting legacy in our state."

U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R): Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement after the announcement of the passing of Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, a veteran, patriot, family man, Jesus follower, Mayor of Tulsa, Congressman for the First District of Oklahoma, and long-time United States Senator:

“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.” 

State Sen. Tom Woods (R-Westville): “We lost a true legend today with the passing of former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe,” Sen. Woods said. “His profound dedication to our state and nation were unmatched. Sen. Inhofe’s resiliency led to many remarkable achievements. Throughout his tenure, Senator Inhofe was known for his staunch advocacy for national defense, infrastructure development and conservative values. As we mourn the loss of Senator Inhofe, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the enduring contributions he made to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Oklahoma Republican Party: Today, OKGOP Chair Nathan Dahm released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. “Jim Mountain Inhofe lived up to his name. He truly was a mountain of a figure in Oklahoma politics, especially for the Republican Party” Dahm said. “He served the people of this State from the local level and rose to leadership at the national level where he represented us so well in Washington D.C. He was a staunch defender of our military, even before he served as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.”

Former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe passed away Tuesday, July 9th, 2024.

“Oklahoma lost a giant today,” Dahm said. “Jim Inhofe was a fighter for Oklahoma’s industries, people, and principles. He will be greatly missed. We pray for his family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss by praying that the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

OK House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson (D-OKC): “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.” Former U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe was the longest serving U.S. senator in Oklahoma history. His political career spanned over six decades.

OK House Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka): "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."

State Senator Adam Pugh (R-Edmond): "Senator Jim Inhofe was a towering figure in Oklahoma politics and a steadfast champion for our military. His unwavering commitment to national security and his tireless efforts to enhance our state's military infrastructure have left an indelible mark. Sen. Inhofe’s legacy of service will continue to inspire us all. He fought tirelessly to keep some of our nation’s most critical military facilities open during tight budget years when the federal government was trying to close them. My continued thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

State Senator Paul Rosino (R-OKC): "Senator Inhofe's dedication to our nation's defense and his advocacy for Oklahoma's military bases were unparalleled. He worked tirelessly to ensure our troops had the resources they needed and that our facilities remained at the forefront of national security. Jim Inhofe's passing is a profound loss for Oklahoma and for the entire nation. His contributions to national security and support for Oklahoma's military installations will be remembered and honored for years to come."