Ben Jones, the actor who played the mechanic Cooter Davenport across all seven
seasons of The Dukes of Hazzard and later spent two terms in the United States
House of Representatives, died on Sunday 9 August 2026 at the age of 84.
His wife, Alma Viator, announced his death on the Cooter’s Place Facebook page. Jones
suffered a heart attack at the couple’s home in Washington, Virginia, while waiting to
watch an Atlanta Braves game.
From Tarboro to Hazzard County
Benjamin Lewis Jones was born on 30 August 1941 in Tarboro, North Carolina. He was cast
as Cooter Davenport when The Dukes of Hazzard premiered on CBS in 1979, and stayed
with the series through its final season in 1985. The character, a good-natured garage
owner who kept the Duke family on the road, became the role Jones was known for the rest of
his life.
Two Terms in Congress for Georgia
Jones ran for Congress as a Democrat in Georgia in 1986 and lost a close race to the
incumbent, Pat Swindall. He ran again in 1988 and won, representing Georgia’s 4th
congressional district from 1989 to 1993.
Cooter’s Place
After leaving office, Jones built a second career around the show that made his name. He
and Viator founded Cooter’s Place, a combination of museum and store stocked with
Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia, with locations including Luray in Virginia and
Nashville and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. The Facebook page for the business is where his
wife shared the news of his death.
Tributes
Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke alongside him, wrote on Instagram that “The Dukes of
Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today.”
Ben Jones FAQ
How did Ben Jones die?
He had a heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia, on Sunday 9 August 2026. His
wife, Alma Viator, announced his death on the Cooter’s Place Facebook page.
What role was Ben Jones best known for?
Cooter Davenport, the mechanic in The Dukes of Hazzard. He appeared in all
seven seasons of the CBS series, which ran from 1979 to 1985.
Which district did Ben Jones represent in Congress?
Georgia’s 4th congressional district. He served two terms as a Democrat, from 1989 to
1993, after losing a first attempt in 1986 to Pat Swindall and winning in 1988.
How old was Ben Jones when he died?
He was 84. He was born on 30 August 1941, so he died three weeks before his 85th
birthday.
Related Articles
Get the Fox Bulletin briefing
The stories that matter, in your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Newsletter signup will be available soon.