Ben Jones, Actor and Politician, Passes Away at 84

Ben Jones, known for his role as the amiable mechanic in “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV series, has died at 84. He gained further recognition by transitioning into a political career, serving two terms in the U.S. House. Jones suffered a heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia, as he prepared to watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball, according to his wife, Alma Viator. His passing was confirmed by Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton.

Jones achieved fame playing Cooter Davenport, the resourceful mechanic who aided the Duke boys in their efforts to combat the corrupt Boss Hogg in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. He portrayed Cooter throughout the series’ seven seasons from 1979 to 1985.

After this, Jones pursued politics and was elected to the U.S. House in 1988, representing a district near Atlanta. He served as a Democrat for two terms until redistricting led to him losing his seat. Jones, originally from North Carolina, became involved in acting and civil rights during college, an experience he detailed in his autobiography “Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of ‘Crazy Cooter.’”

His early career was filled with stage productions and minor TV and film roles in Atlanta in the 1970s. His defining moment came with “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which Jones endorsed as a modern morality tale representing Southern values. He was pivotal in aiding Bo and Luke Duke, whose escapades included freeing themselves from the grip of the devious Boss Hogg. Their vehicle, the General Lee, was a 1969 Dodge Charger notable for its roof adorned with a Confederate flag.

Cooter ran “Cooter’s Garage” and regularly communicated via CB radio, delivering his iconic line, “Breaker one, Breaker one. I might be crazy but I ain’t dumb. Crazy Cooter coming at you.” The popular CBS show featured frequent car chases and stunts, maintaining its appeal over the years, transitioning into syndication and joining The Nashville Network lineup.

Jones credited the series for helping him overcome a period of self-destructive behavior, including alcoholism and multiple failed marriages. He described the show’s impact on his life as transformative, similar to being in a Beatles movie.

Tom Wopat, who portrayed Luke Duke, expressed admiration for Jones, recognizing him as a treasured friend and colleague, appreciating his contributions to entertainment.

After the show, Jones entered politics, retaining his humble persona while addressing issues earnestly. During his tenure, he stood out as a Democrat who often challenged party lines, being progressive on social policies yet fiscally conservative. In 1992, after losing due to redistricting, he ran for Congress again in 1994 but was defeated by Newt Gingrich, who later ascended to the Speaker’s position.

Jones filed an ethics complaint against Gingrich, accusing him of misusing tax-deductible donations for partisan objectives, which resulted in a reprimand for Gingrich and his exit from Congress. Jones remained attached to his ‘Cooter’ character. After relocating to Virginia, he opened “Cooter’s” country stores in Nashville, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and near his residence, selling show memorabilia, including one of the numerous General Lee cars used during filming.

Despite his diverse career, Jones maintained the enduring appeal of “The Dukes of Hazzard” was due to its humor, action-packed car chases, and wholesome narrative. He told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the program embodied the core values of America’s heartland, where the good guys invariably triumphed.