Former Rep. Jim Kolbe passed away at the age of 80, on Dec. 3.
“Arizona lost a true elder statesman and political powerhouse today. Congressman Jim Kolbe never wavered in his responsibility to our state and nation. We are deeply saddened by his passing,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in a press release. “He served as chair of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the House Appropriations Committee. He served as a U.S. Senate Page for Barry Goldwater. He was a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam.”
Ducey order flags to be flown at half-staff on Sunday, Dec. 4 to honor Rep. Kolbe.
Arizona lost a true elder statesman and political powerhouse today. Congressman Jim Kolbe never wavered in his responsibility to our state and nation. We are deeply saddened by his passing. 1/
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) December 3, 2022
May Arizona congressman Jim Kolbe rest in peace.
I am grateful for his service to our state.
My condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 4, 2022
My thoughts and condolences to Jim Kolbe and his family. A true statesman, he never wavered in fighting for Arizona. He will truly be missed. https://t.co/s7IKe2Fhul
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) December 4, 2022
Congressman Jim Kolbe was a true statesman who deeply loved Arizona. May he rest in peace. 🙏🏼
— Tanya Wheeless (@TanyaWheeless) December 3, 2022
Deeply saddened to hear of Rep. Jim Kolbe’s passing. Congressman Kolbe will always be remembered for a legacy in bipartisanship, as a strong voice on the international stage, and as a champion for Arizonans. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.
— Gov-Elect Katie Hobbs (@katiehobbs) December 3, 2022
Heartbroken over the passing of my friend and a great mentor, Jim Kolbe. Jim was my hometown congressman and in college and adulthood became a very close friend. 1/ pic.twitter.com/EcAcbnV00J
— Scarp (@Scarpinato) December 3, 2022
Congressman Jim Kolbe and I met over two decades ago. I was a student at Pima Community College and he was our U.S. Representative. He became a mentor to me and I enjoyed our catch up meetings at Milly’s Pancake Haus over the years. 1/ pic.twitter.com/REFKcvJ2E4
— Juan Ciscomani (@JuanCiscomani) December 3, 2022
"Arizona has lost a giant and a statesman."
Leader-Elect @AndresCanoAZ and House Dems Mourn Loss of Jim Kolbe #azleg pic.twitter.com/yuWMhEJbbJ
— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) December 4, 2022
Saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Jim Kolbe. He will be remembered as a historical figure in the gay rights movement, but I’ll always remember him as a dear friend. Prayers for Hector and all of Jim’s loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/RMulCw0sa8
— Gregory T. Angelo (@gregorytangelo) December 3, 2022
Jim Kolbe was a friend, mentor and impactful leader. Throughout his career he always prioritized southern Arizona and our entire beautiful state. I send my deepest condolences to his family. https://t.co/DhhOc5VFE5
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) December 3, 2022