Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) passed away Sunday night, prompting an outpouring of memorials from his colleagues on Capitol Hill.
Jones first joined Congress in 1995 and continued to serve until his passing, leaving many of his Republican peers with decades of memories to reflect upon. Several took to Twitter to pay their respects and offer condolences to Jones’ family.
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan:
Congressman Walter Jones was a true gentleman, a man of deep faith, and a man of principle, who selflessly served the people of North Carolina’s 3rd District. I was proud to work with him in the House of Representatives and my heart goes out to his wife and family.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) February 11, 2019
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.):
It’s a sad day for the House of Representatives as we mourn the death of Walter Jones. He was a champion for our nation’s service members, seniors, children, & a faithful servant to the people of North Carolina’s 3rd District. Most importantly, he was a dear friend to many of us.
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 11, 2019
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel:
For decades, Congressman Walter Jones fought tirelessly for North Carolinians.
We are grateful for his many years of service.
Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) February 10, 2019
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.):
My friend and colleague Walter Jones has passed away. Walter was a kind and good man. He was friend and ally. RIP Walter, and prayers for your family.
Walter Jones: Longtime North Carolina congressman has died | Raleigh News & Observer https://t.co/dosS8a04jT
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) February 11, 2019
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas):
Walter Jones was a man of integrity, strong values, and great patriotism. My prayers are with his family and the people of NC’s 3rd District, for whom he worked for a quarter of a century. –> https://t.co/EEQPSt8PPB
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 11, 2019
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.):
Deeply saddened by the passing of Walter Jones—a beloved colleague and friend who had a profound impact on all through his graciousness, character, and committed Christian faith. God be with and keep his family. We will miss him.
— Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) February 10, 2019
Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.):
My dear friend Walter Jones has died. He is the most honorable, principled, and courageous person I have known. Walter was kind, a cherished member of the @libertycaucus, and a leading voice for peace.
I will miss you, Walter. God bless your family. May your memory be eternal.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) February 11, 2019
Having served for over two decades, Jones was able to leave a mark on several of his colleagues. In fact, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) first met Jones while serving as a congressional intern.
RIP, Rep. Walter Jones. He was a friend & one of my best partners across the aisle. I first met Walter when I was a Hill intern. Not only was he kind enough to talk to me, he remembered my name, and checked in on me throughout that summer. His constituents were lucky to have him.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) February 10, 2019
Many of the memorials honored Jones for his lifelong dedication to liberty and peace. Jones was not the type of congressman to blindly follow his party. He had strong views and was proud to admit when he believed he made the wrong call, most notably his regret in voting to go to war in Iraq.
No matter their political persuasion, his colleagues from both sides of the aisle respected his patriotism and open-mindedness.
I didn’t agree often with Walter but he was kind and gracious to all, especially children brought to the House floor, including ours as they grew up.
The deaths of our patriots in war took an emotional toll on him.
Rest easy, amigo. https://t.co/MIHLGRoffx— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) February 11, 2019
My heartfelt condolences are with Walter Jones’ family and loved ones during this difficult time. I worked with Congressman Jones for many years to draw down our endless wars — he served with conviction and compassion. I was honored to call him both a colleague and a friend.
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) February 11, 2019
My dear friend & ally Congressman Walter Jones passed today – he was a man of integrity, courage & wisdom. He single handily lead the effort to declassify the 28 Pages regarding the Saudi role in the 9/11 attacks & called for a review of all 9/11 issues. He will be missed indeed https://t.co/7R2ksDqJD9
— Tony Shaffer (@T_S_P_O_O_K_Y) February 11, 2019
Congressman Walter Jones was a passionate patriot willing to fight for sometimes unpopular causes while remaining a humble & approachable statesman. I appreciate his lifetime of service and offer my condolences to his family and constituents. We are better having known you.
— David R Lewis (@RepDavidRLewis) February 10, 2019
Jones will certainly be missed by his peers in Washington.
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