OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Former U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe died Tuesday morning at the age of 89 after a stroke over the holiday, according to a news release from his family. He was surrounded by his wife Kay and his three surviving children Molly, Jimmy and Katy.
“To the people of Oklahoma, I really thank what you've done for me all these years,” Inhofe said in his goodbye speech to Congress in 2022. “Thank you very much, I love you guys."
If there’s one thing people will remember about Inhofe after he passed Tuesday morning, it’s his love for Oklahoma.
"There's probably no one in our recent history that has done more for Oklahoma than Jim Inhofe,” Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, said.
Iowa born and Tulsa raised, Inhofe was an independent businessman who served in the Army in the mid-50’s and spent three decades in aviation, real estate and insurance. He was a public servant at heart though. From 1966 to early 2023, he served in the Oklahoma house and senate, as the mayor of Tulsa and eventually in U.S. Congress.
"I think Oklahoma was better off because of that service that he gave our state,” Chancellor of Oklahoma’s State System of Higher Education and former house speaker Dr. Glenn Johnson said.
“He brought almost $1,000,000,000 in Oklahoma just for the highway system,” Thompson said.
Well known for his strong support of military and defense spending, he served as the chair of the senate armed services committee. He also had quite the memorable moment on the senate floor with an exchange over climate change involving a snowball in his hand.
"Jim Inhofe was a man of honesty. He was a man of integrity. And I guarantee you he wasn't a hypocrite. He told you exactly what he thought and he stuck with it,” former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Turpen said.
"He always did the right thing for Oklahoma and gosh, a lifelong public servant, we're really going to miss him,” former Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry said.
A common theme for his time in office, as Turpen called it, was “disagreeing agreeably” to get things done.
"America can take a lesson from that,” Turpen said. "He fought hard, but he always did it in a cheerful way, a respectful way, a positive way, an optimistic way. That's the greatness of Jim Inhofe."
Condolences poured in from all across the political spectrum after the news of his death spread. We have multiple statements from officials and his family regarding his death below.
Oklahoma’s longest-serving United States Senator James M. Inhofe passed away at
Inhofe family
4:48 am after a stroke over the holiday. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his wife Kay, and his three surviving children, Molly, Jimmy and Katy. His son Perry passed away several years ago in a private airplane accident in Tulsa. The family is very grateful for the extraordinary care staff and doctors of the 7th floor NeuroTrauma Intensive Care Unit of St. John's Hospital in Tulsa. Inhofe served his beloved state in many capacities over the years, including in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Oklahoma State Senate, as Mayor of Tulsa, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate since 1994. He retired from the Senate in 2023. In the U.S. Senate he served as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee and as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. The lifelong aviator once flew a small plane around the world and passed the Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
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
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.
Sen. James Lankford
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.
Rep. Frank Lucas
Senator Jim Inhofe was a dear friend and mentor, a titan in Oklahoma, and a highly effective leader in DC. 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.
Rep. Kevin Hern
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.
Rep. Stephanie Bice
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.
Sen. Pro Tem. Greg Treat
Jim Mountain Inhofe lived up to his name. He truly was a mountain of a figure in Oklahoma politics, especially for the Republican Party. 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. Oklahoma lost a giant today. 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.
OKGOP Chair Nathan Dahm
