Ben Jones, the talented actor and former congressman, has passed away at the age of 84. He died on Sunday, August 9, at his residence in Washington, Virginia, following a “massive heart attack,” as confirmed by his wife, Alma Viator.
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In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Viator described her husband’s final moments, stating, “I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favourite chair, waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees.” She continued to reflect on their life together, saying, “Ben had the most amazing, rich, full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so, so much.”
Known widely for his role as Cooter Davenport in the iconic television series The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones’ career extended far beyond acting. He served as a congressman for Georgia and dedicated his post-political life to preserving the legacy of the beloved show. Jones’ portrayal of the beloved mechanic on The Dukes of Hazzard was cherished by fans during the show’s original airing from 1979 to 1985, and he reprised the role in a reunion movie in 1997 and another film, Hazzard in Hollywood, in 2000.
Jones’ life was not without its challenges. Reports suggest he faced struggles with alcoholism and endured multiple arrests prior to his breakout role. He also experienced three divorces throughout his life. Reflecting on his character, Jones noted in a 2008 interview, “He had the only garage and the only tow truck in a place where all they did was wreck cars, so every time you saw him, he was working, and people can relate to that.”
In a touching tribute, his fellow Dukes of Hazzard star Tom Wopat shared a nostalgic photograph of himself with Jones on Instagram. Wopat wrote, “The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed.” Wopat added a poignant sentiment, likening Jones’ loss to that of a family member, “I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today.”
Following the cancellation of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones transitioned into politics, successfully running for Congress in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District. He served from 1988 to 1990, where he took on the role of Democratic whip and was actively involved in the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation. In 1994, he challenged Newt Gingrich in a nearby district, but was unsuccessful in his bid.
After his congressional career, Jones turned his focus to The Dukes of Hazzard’s legacy. He created a museum dedicated to the show in Virginia and later opened two more locations, with support from Alma, highlighting his commitment to his roots in entertainment. He also initiated DukesFest, an annual celebration that brought together fans with music, car racing, and food offerings dedicated to the show.
In addition to his work in television, Jones made appearances on various cable talk shows and authored opinion pieces reflecting on his life experiences. He once stated, “The only secret of life that I have discovered for me is if you turn your life over, get out of yourself and just turn it completely over to a higher power, to the extent I’ve been able to do that, good things have happened.”
Ben Jones leaves behind his devoted wife, Alma, and their two children, Rachel and Walker. His contributions to both entertainment and politics have left an indelible mark on the lives of many, ensuring that his legacy will continue to live on.