Ben Jones, best known for his role as Cooter Davenport in the iconic television series "The Dukes of Hazzard," and a two-term U.S. House member, has passed away at the age of 84. Jones succumbed to a heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia, while waiting for his beloved Atlanta Braves game on Sunday. His wife, Alma Viator, announced the news on social media, with Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton confirming the death. Famous for his portrayal of the good-natured mechanic who aided the Duke brothers in their fight against corruption, Jones transitioned from acting to politics in 1988, serving two terms before being redistricted out of office. Born in North Carolina, Jones began his career as an actor and civil rights activist, recounting his journey in his autobiography "Redneck Boy in the Promised Land: The Confessions of ‘Crazy Cooter.’" Jones's role in "The Dukes of Hazzard," a hit for CBS, was life-changing. For seven seasons, he played a crucial part as one of a small band of friends and family helping Bo and Luke Duke in their mission to clear their names and stand against the corrupt Boss Hogg. After the series ended, Jones struggled with alcoholism but credited the show with pulling him out of self-destructive habits. Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, mourned Jones's passing, calling him an integral part of the series' success and a fierce advocate for the entertainment industry. In politics, Jones maintained his folksy charm while taking issues seriously. Known as a Democrat who could buck his party, he made headlines even in Washington. Despite losing elections in 1992 and 1994, he continued to advocate for his beliefs, including filing an ethics complaint against Newt Gingrich that led to a House reprimand and Gingrich's resignation from the body. Jones remained proud of his role as Cooter and capitalized on it by opening several "Cooter's" country stores selling Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia. The show's enduring popularity is attributed to its humor, action, car chases, and family-friendly values, as reflected in Jones's words at a 2001 car show: "The good guys always win."