Ben Jones Dies; Former Congressman, Dukes Star

Ben Jones, best known as Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at age 84 from a heart attack at his home while awaiting a Braves game. He portrayed Cooter over seven seasons and in reunion projects, and later ran Cooter’s Place museums with his wife Alma Viator. Jones served Georgia’s 4th Congressional District as a Democrat from 1989 to 1993 and held the post of Democratic whip. He remained active in Georgia’s film community, worked with the Georgia Film Commission, and appeared in films such as Smokey and the Bandit and Primary Colors. Tributes came from co-star Tom Wopat and fans, with Viator praising him for a rich and full life. In later years, reports noted his defense of the Confederate Battle Flag in public discussions, adding a controversial facet to his legacy.