Childhood and Education Journey of Jim Inhofe in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Jim Inhofe, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

James Mountain Inhofe was a prominent American politician who represented Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate from 1994 to 2023. As a Republican, he held the distinction of being Oklahoma's longest-serving U.S. Senator. His career in Oklahoma politics spanned nearly six decades, beginning in 1966 and continuing until his retirement in 2023. He held various elected positions within the state government before ascending to the national stage.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

November 17, 1934: Jim Inhofe Born

On November 17, 1934, James Mountain Inhofe was born. He later became a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma.

1934: Inhofe Born in Des Moines, Iowa

In 1934, Jim Inhofe was born in Des Moines, Iowa.

August 1942: Inhofe Family Moved to Tulsa After Father's Job Change

In August 1942, Jim Inhofe's family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after his father became president of the National Mutual Casualty company.

1942: Inhofe Family Moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma

In 1942, Inhofe and his parents moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

1949: Inhofe's Father's Company Ordered to Cease Discouraging Union Membership

In 1949, Tri-State, Jim Inhofe's father's company, was ordered by the National Labor Relations Board to cease discouraging union membership.

1950: Inhofe's Father Sponsored Miss Tulsa and Miss Oklahoma Winner

In 1950, Jim Inhofe's father was the official sponsor of Miss Tulsa and Miss Oklahoma winner Louise O'Brien.

1952: Inhofe's Relay Team Broke School Record

In 1952, Jim Inhofe's mile relay quartet team broke a school record with a 3:32.6 time.

January 1953: Inhofe Elected Treasurer of Social Club

In January 1953, Jim Inhofe was elected treasurer of the Brones social club.

1954: Inhofe's Father Served on Executive Committee for Gary's Campaign

In 1954, Perry Inhofe, Jim Inhofe's father, served on the executive committee for Democratic governor Raymond D. Gary's successful campaign.

1956: Inhofe Received Draft Letter from the United States Army

In 1956, Jim Inhofe received a draft letter from the United States Army.

1956: Inhofe Drafted to the United States Army

In 1956, Jim Inhofe was drafted into the United States Army.

1957: Inhofe Served in the Army

From 1957 to 1958, Jim Inhofe served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Specialist 4.

1957: Inhofe Served in the United States Army

In 1957, Jim Inhofe served in the United States Army.

1958: Inhofe Served in the Army

From 1957 to 1958, Jim Inhofe served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Specialist 4.

1958: Inhofe Continued to Serve in the United States Army

In 1958, Jim Inhofe continued to serve in the United States Army.

1958: Inhofe's Brother Unsuccessfully Ran for Oklahoma House of Representatives

In 1958, Perry Inhofe Jr., Jim Inhofe's brother, ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Oklahoma House of Representatives as a Democrat.

December 19, 1959: Marriage to Kay Kirkpatrick

On December 19, 1959, Jim Inhofe married Kay Kirkpatrick, with whom he had four children.

1959: Inhofe Allowed to Participate in Graduation Ceremonies

In 1959, Jim Inhofe was allowed to take part in graduation ceremonies, though he was a few credits short of completing his degree.

June 17, 1970: Perry Inhofe Died

On June 17, 1970, Perry Inhofe, Jim Inhofe's father, died of a heart attack.

1970: Inhofe Became President of Insurance Company After Father's Death

In 1970, after his father's death, Jim Inhofe became president of Quaker Life Insurance.

July 4, 1972: USS Batfish Unofficially Opened to Public

On July 4, 1972, the USS Batfish was unofficially opened to the public.

1973: Inhofe Received B.A. in Economics

In 1973, Jim Inhofe received a B.A. in economics from the University of Tulsa.

1975: Death of Mother, Blanche M. Inhofe

In 1975, Jim Inhofe's mother, Blanche M. Inhofe, passed away.

January 1978: Courted to Run for Mayor of Tulsa

In January 1978, the Tulsa Daily World reported Republican party officials were courting Inhofe to run for Mayor of Tulsa. He initially denied he would run for any city office and instead insisted he was considering a rematch against Congressman Jones; but, Inhofe announced his mayoral campaign in February.

1990: Inhofe Involved in Litigation Over Companies

In 1990, Jim Inhofe ended up in litigation with his brother over the family companies, resulting in Perry paying $3 million to Jim.

November 10, 2013: Death of Son, Perry Inhofe

On November 10, 2013, Jim Inhofe's son, Perry Inhofe, died in a plane crash in Owasso, Oklahoma.

August 2018: McCain Died

John McCain died in August 2018, and Inhofe lauded him as his "hero". Inhofe also said that McCain was "partially to blame for" the White House's controversial decision to raise flags back to full mast after less than two days.

July 15, 2021: Inhofe Planned Retirement

On July 15, 2021, Inhofe told Tulsa World he planned to retire at the end of his current term, in 2027.

2021: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Attendance

In 2021, Jim Inhofe, who has had his pilot's license since he was 28, mentioned having attended the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for 20 years and sleeping in the same tent.

February 2022: Report of Inhofe's Planned Resignation

In February 2022, The New York Times reported that Inhofe was planning to resign at the end of the 117th Congress.

January 3, 2023: Inhofe Resigned

Inhofe resigned on January 3, 2023.

February 2023: Reports on Inhofe's Retirement Reason

It was reported in February 2023 that the primary reason for Inhofe's retirement was related to him suffering symptoms of long COVID, which had severely limited his capacity to do day-to-day activities, after an initial infection he had described as "very mild".