• Faith: Christian
• Career: Actor and Politician
• Birthday:  August 30, 1941
• Date of Death:  August 09, 2026

Ben Jones was an actor, playwright, politician and businessman best known for playing the lovable mechanic Cooter Davenport on the hit television series The Dukes of Hazzard. His career spanned entertainment, public service and business, making him one of the few television stars to successfully transition into elected office. Jones also served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 4th Congressional District from 1989 to 1993. Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to his Southern roots, his fans and the enduring popularity of The Dukes of Hazzard.

Benjamin Jones was born on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina. His family later settled in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. Jones briefly attended the College of William & Mary before leaving school to pursue a variety of interests, including writing, acting and political activism. During the 1960s, he became involved in the civil rights movement and other social causes while developing a passion for theater and storytelling.

Jones began his acting career on stage before moving into television and film. Early appearances included roles in The Mod Squad, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Kojak and M*A*S*H. He also appeared in films such as The Greatest (1977), starring Muhammad Ali.

His breakthrough came in 1979 when he was cast as Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard. The friendly, grease-covered mechanic quickly became one of the series' most beloved characters. Jones appeared throughout nearly the entire seven-season run, missing only a brief stretch during a contract dispute. He later reprised the role in several reunion television movies and remained closely associated with the character for the rest of his life. In 1999, he opened Cooter's Place, a museum and entertainment attraction dedicated to the series, first in Tennessee and later with locations in Virginia.

Alongside acting, Jones maintained a strong interest in politics. A lifelong Democrat, he served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1983 to 1985 before winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. Representing Georgia's 4th Congressional District, he served two terms before narrowly losing his reelection bid in 1992 following redistricting. During his time in Congress, Jones focused on transportation, veterans' issues and economic development while building a reputation as a moderate Southern Democrat willing to work across party lines.

After leaving Congress, Jones returned to acting, public appearances and preserving television history. Through Cooter's Place, he welcomed thousands of Dukes of Hazzard fans each year and remained an active participant at conventions and reunions. He also continued writing, speaking publicly and commenting on politics and popular culture.

Jones married his wife, Alma Viator, in 2014 after the couple had been together for many years. They made their home in Luray, Virginia, where Jones operated his museum and remained active in the local community. He was known for his approachable personality, love of classic cars and appreciation for the loyal fan base that continued celebrating The Dukes of Hazzard decades after the show's original run.

On August 9, 2026, Jones died of a heart attack at his home in Luray, Virginia. His wife announced his death later that day. He was 84 years old.

Ben Jones' Religious Beliefs

Jones identified as a Christian throughout his adult life, though he generally treated his faith as a personal matter rather than a political platform. Raised in the American South, he grew up within the region's traditional Protestant culture>, an influence that shaped his values and understanding of community, forgiveness and personal responsibility.

One of the defining moments in Jones' spiritual journey came during his battle with alcoholism in the late 1970s. After struggling with severe alcohol abuse, he found sobriety through a combination of personal determination, prayer and reliance on what he described as a higher power. He often spoke of that period as a turning point that renewed his life and gave him a deeper appreciation for God's grace and second chances.

When Jones entered Congress, he publicly acknowledged the spiritual blessings he believed had guided his unlikely path from actor to elected official. At the same time, he resisted being closely identified with the religious-right movement, preferring to express his faith through humility, service and compassion rather than partisan politics. Throughout his life, Jones viewed Christianity as a source of redemption, hope and gratitude, values that influenced both his public service and his personal relationships.