When news spread Tuesday morning of the death of former Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, it immediately prompted tributes from those who worked with him.
“We grieve along with our state and nation the loss of a true patriot for our American values and way of life,” said Sen. James Lankford.
“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.”
Republican Congressman Kevin Hern of Tulsa issued a statement.
“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.”
From Congresswoman Stephanie Bice.
“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. Frank Lucas offered his thoughts.
“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. Josh Brecheen also issued a statement.
“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 Brecheen.
The capitol news site, NonDoc interviewed Jeff Wilson who was an aide to Sen. Inhofe from 2005 to 2010 and recalled how the Senator was a strong proponent of earmarks in the Senate.
“This is a guy who never once backed away from the idea that earmarks were the right thing to do, and they were the right thing to do because Oklahomans knew better what to do with those dollars than bureaucrats in D.C,” he told NonDoc.
“Jim never shied away from the conservative moniker. He embraced that American Conservative Union ranking. He always wore that mantle proudly, but I think he was also someone who worked to form friendships across the aisle that may not have always been transparent to the public eye,” Wilson said.