Ben Jones, Cooter on ‘Dukes of Hazzard,’ dies at 84

Ben Jones, the actor best known for playing Cooter the mechanic on the hit 1980s TV show *The Dukes of Hazzard* and later as a Democratic congressman from Georgia, died Sunday at age 84.

Jones had been in declining health for years, according to family statements and local reports. He suffered from complications related to Parkinson’s disease, a condition he had openly discussed in recent interviews. Friends and colleagues said he remained active in community events and political discussions up until his final months, often reflecting on his unusual journey from Hollywood to Capitol Hill.

Born in 1941 in Grundy, Virginia, Jones first gained fame as Cooter on *The Dukes of Hazzard*, which ran from 1979 to 1985 and became a cultural touchstone. After the show ended, he turned to politics, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988. He served four terms, focusing on veterans’ issues and rural development before choosing not to run again in 1996.

Jones was the rare figure who bridged entertainment and politics, earning respect in both worlds. Many fans remember him not just as the jovial Cooter, but as a genuine public servant who stayed grounded despite his fame. His death follows a wave of losses among the original *Dukes* cast, with several key actors passing in recent years. Funeral arrangements are pending.