Ben Jones: From TV Fame to Political Arena

Ben Jones, known for his role as Cooter Davenport in the TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” passed away at the age of 84. He died from a heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia, according to his wife, Alma Viator, on social media. Sheriff Connie Compton of Rappahannock County confirmed the news.

Jones gained fame as Cooter, the mechanic who helped the Duke brothers, Bo and Luke, navigate their troubles in fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, against the corrupt Boss Hogg. The series ran for seven seasons from 1979 to 1985. After the show, Jones pursued a political career, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from an Atlanta district in 1988. He served two terms before losing his seat due to redistricting.

Born in North Carolina, Jones became involved in acting and civil rights during his college years. His autobiography, “Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of ‘Crazy Cooter,’” details this journey. After various stage productions and minor roles in TV and film during the 1970s, Jones found his breakthrough role in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” He frequently described the series as a morality tale showcasing Southern values.

Jones played Cooter, who owned “Cooter’s Garage” and was instrumental in aiding the Duke brothers. The show featured high-energy car chases, with the Duke boys driving a 1969 Dodge Charger named the General Lee. Cooter often communicated via CB radio, making famous the line: “Breaker one, Breaker one. I might be crazy but I ain’t dumb. Crazy Cooter coming at you.”

The series remained popular after syndication, becoming a staple on cable’s The Nashville Network. Jones credited the show with helping him overcome a self-destructive lifestyle and struggled with alcoholism. “It was like being in a Beatles movie,” Jones remarked. “Our lives changed.” Fellow cast member Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, praised Jones as a great friend and an influential figure in entertainment.

Following his TV career, Jones transitioned to politics, bringing his straightforward personality to the field. Known as a Democrat who occasionally opposed party lines, he was liberal on social matters and conservative economically. Despite losing his congressional seat in 1992, Jones ran again in 1994, challenging Newt Gingrich, who would eventually become Speaker of the House.

Jones later filed an ethics complaint against Gingrich, resulting in a reprimand and Gingrich’s decision to leave Congress. Embracing his “Cooter” persona, Jones opened several “Cooter’s” country stores in locations like Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Virginia. These stores featured “The Dukes of Hazzard” merchandise and memorabilia, including one of the General Lee cars from the series.

Jones frequently spoke about the show’s lasting appeal. “The show reflects the values of the heartland of America. The good guys always win,” he stated at a 2001 car show while signing autographs and interacting with fans.