State Mourns Former Congressman

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Tributes continue to pour in about former Congressman Andy Jacobs Jr., who passed away last week. Governor Mike Pence says the Korean War Veteran's contributions to Indiana and the United States are “incalculable.” Jacobs, who served 14 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, was 81.

Indianapolis, Ind. — Having been informed that Congressman Andy Jacobs, Jr. passed away tonight, Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement:

“Andy Jacobs, Jr.'s contributions to the life of our state and nation are incalculable and I mark his passing with a sense of personal loss. Andy Jacobs personified the kind of principled and compassionate leadership that Hoosiers most admire and he will be greatly missed.

Before serving a long and illustrious career as a member of the United States House of Representatives, Andy Jacobs served his nation in the United States Marine Corps as a combat infantryman. Upon his return from military service, he dedicated the next three decades of his life to public service. Andy Jacobs served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1959-1960. Later, he was elected to represent Indiana’s Tenth Congressional District in 1964, serving in the same Indianapolis Congressional seat held by his father in 1948-1950.

During his early years in Congress, Representative Jacobs helped to write the 1965 Voting Rights Act. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Representative Jacobs was known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of America’s senior citizens by enhancing the Social Security Administration and the Medicare program.

Throughout his career, Representative Jacobs was recognized by colleagues on both sides of the aisle as a champion for his principles and a man of impeccable character.

When Representative Jacobs retired from Congress in 1997, he left a legacy of leadership and a reputation for integrity among his peers and the people that he served.

On behalf of my entire family, I express our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, his wife Kim, and to his two sons during this difficult time. God bless you, Andy Jacobs. Your compassion and servant leadership left Indiana and our nation better for you having been here. You will be sorely missed and your many contributions to Indiana will be remembered always.”

Source: Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence

“Indianapolis has lost one of its greatest champions and public servants. Andy Jacobs served his country and city with great distinction for more than three decades as a Marine, Korean War Veteran and Congressman. He worked tirelessly to lift the fortunes of Indianapolis and its residents for which we will remain eternally grateful.”

Source: Office of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard

Granger, Ind. – Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Andy Jacobs.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Jacobs. I enjoyed getting to know Andy over the years, and his decades of tireless service to the people of Indiana is an example I try to follow. Jill and I send our thoughts and prayers to Kim, Andy Jr., Steven, and all of Andy's family during this difficult time.”

Source: Office of U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly

“The state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis have lost a treasured member of our Hoosier family in the passing of Congressman Andy Jacobs, Jr. Congressman Jacobs was an instrumental figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and social security reform. His leadership, passion for equality and commitment to those who are underrepresented, created unprecedented opportunities for all Americans and left a positive mark on our city and our nations history.”

Source: Office of Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis