Ben Jones, who endeared himself to millions of television viewers as the affable mechanic “Crazy” Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 84. His wife, Alma Viator, announced that Jones passed away from a massive heart attack on Sunday while resting at home. According to Viator, he was relaxing in his favorite chair and waiting for a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees to start.
Ben Jones, Beloved ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Mechanic and Former Congressman, Dies at 84
Jones was born on August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina. Before landing his signature role, his early screen appearances included a 1972 drama titled Together for Days and a 1975 action-comedy called Moonrunners, which was written and directed by forbes.com and later served as the basis for The Dukes of Hazzard.
From ‘Crazy Cooter’ to Television Staple
Jones played Cooter Davenport across all seven seasons of the original CBS series from 1979 to 1985. While the character became widely remembered as a gregarious, good-natured local mechanic running a garage situated conveniently across the street from the sheriff’s station, Jones noted that the role featured a wilder, more rebellious streak during the show’s first season. Because of his close ties to the central characters, he was frequently referred to as an “honorary Duke.”
Beyond the original broadcast run, Jones reprised his role in made-for-television reunion films, including The Dukes of Hazzard: A Reunion! in 1997 and The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood in 2000. He also provided the voice of Cooter in two video games adapted from the series and made guest appearances on various other television programs, such as Dallas, Sliders, and As the World Turns.
In later years, Jones and his wife maintained a deep connection to the franchise by operating Cooter’s Place,
a chain of themed stores and museums featuring memorabilia located in Nashville, Tennessee, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Luray, Virginia, where the couple lived.
Political Career and Public Service
Following the conclusion of his television run, Jones embarked on an active second act in public service and politics. He served as president of SAG’s Georgia branch and as chairman of the Georgia Film Commission.
After an initial unsuccessful congressional run in 1986 against Republican Representative Pat Swindell, Jones won election to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District in 1988, taking office in 1989. He won re-election in 1990, serving two terms until 1993. During his time on Capitol Hill, Jones functioned as Democratic whip and held memberships on the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation. He later ran for a congressional seat against Newt Gingrich in 1994, but lost the race.
Tributes and Legacy
News of Jones’ passing prompted widespread tributes from former co-stars and fans alike. Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, shared a statement on social media expressing sorrow over the loss.
The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today,
Wopat wrote. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed.
Wopat also recalled how late co-star Denver Pyle, who played Uncle Jesse, used to joke with Jones on set, adding, I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today.
Jones is survived by his wife, Alma Viator, with whom he was married for nearly 34 years.
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