( Ed. note: Former Oklahoma Sen. James M. “Jim” Inhofe passed away last Tuesday at the age of 89. Kingfisher’s Mike Sanders, a former state representative who is now executive director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office, shared some thoughts on Inhofe’s impact on him personally and professionally, his impact and his legacy.)

By Mike Sanders

The news of my dear friend U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe’s passing brought great sadness and a flood of cherished memories.

I first met this remarkable man in 1994, when I was 19.

Senator Inhofe came to Kingfisher and met with local community leaders at Memorial Hall. He shared his vision for Oklahoma’s future in Washington, openly expressing his love for Christ and America.

Senator Inhofe was a true statesman and a staunch defender of freedom.

He always stood for the truth and never shied away from a just political fight.

His ability to build consensus across party lines was unparalleled. Whether working with Liberal California Senator Barbara Boxer on infrastructure projects or collaborating with Senator Bernie Sanders on tax policy, Senator Inhofe knew how to get things done.

He was both likable and approachable.

When I decided to run for the State House in 2007, I visited the U.S. Capitol to seek his advice.

By this time, we had known each other well for many years and I had helped him with many of his races.

Despite his busy schedule, he met with me for nearly 15 minutes, offering encouragement: “Mike, you are the best equipped to represent HD 59. Go win that race!”

I will never forget that moment.

Throughout my years serving northwest Oklahoma, I always attended his town halls.

I loved getting that call from the Senator or his field representative the night before, saying, “The Senator will be flying into Kingfisher International. Can you gather some folks for a meeting tomorrow morning?”

I never let him down and we always had a great crowd.

He loved visiting Kingfisher and its wonderful residents.

He often spoke fondly of the Kingfisher Times and Free Press and his good friend Gary Reid. He was old school and always made time for the local newspaper.

Over the years, my wife Nellie and I often brought our boys to Inhofe’s events.

Both Davis and Walker met the Senator many times and he would always put his arm around them and say, “Come over here, guys, let’s get a picture.”

Senator Inhofe was a fierce defender of our military, always fighting for Oklahoma’s bases during BRAC.

He was never shy about his beliefs in God, our Nation, Oklahoma and its people.

He loved representing this state and mentored many young political aspirants like myself.

He will be greatly missed. He was an outstanding public servant and an even greater man, husband to Kay, father and grandfather.

Oklahoma lost one of her finest sons this past Tuesday, but Heaven gained a valiant angel.

Rest in peace, my friend.