His wife remembered him resting in his favorite chair and waiting for a Braves baseball game.
Her description offered a remarkably personal glimpse into his final moments—not on a television set or in the middle of a public event, but at home with the people and things he loved.
She described him as someone who had lived a rich and full life and expressed how deeply she would miss him.
Co-Stars Remember a Friend
News of Jones’ death quickly prompted tributes from people who worked alongside him.
Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, remembered Jones as a good friend and an important member of the show’s family.
His tribute reflected the special bond shared by members of a cast whose work together became part of television history.
Jones’ death also comes after the passing of other members of the Dukes of Hazzard family, including actor Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg and died in 2025 at age 79.
More Than Just a Television Character
For some viewers, Ben Jones was simply the actor who played Cooter.
But his life was much bigger than that single role.
He was an actor, writer, businessman, political figure, and longtime ambassador for the television series that made him famous.
Yet Cooter Davenport remained the role that connected him most strongly with generations of fans.
Whenever viewers remember the garage, the Duke boys, the General Lee, and the adventures of Hazzard County, Cooter will be part of that memory.
A Lasting Legacy
Ben Jones lived for 84 years and built a career that crossed several very different worlds.
He began in entertainment, became a familiar face on one of television’s most recognizable shows, entered American politics, and later dedicated much of his time to preserving the legacy of The Dukes of Hazzard.
His death leaves behind a body of work that will continue to introduce new audiences to Cooter Davenport for years to come.
For longtime fans, however, the loss is more personal.
Ben Jones wasn’t simply the mechanic from Hazzard County.
He was one of the people who helped make that fictional world feel real—and his presence will be missed.
