Former U.S. Representative Andrew Jacobs of Illinois died on Saturday at the age of 81, USA TODAY reported.
According to Greg Taylor -- a longtime family friend and former campaign manager -- Jacobs died in his Indianapolis home. Though there is no word on official cause of death yet, Taylor said Jacobs' health had been getting worse in recent years and likely died of old age.
Jacobs, a Democrat, served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1959 to 1960 and then onto the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1973. In 1972, he lost a re-election to Republican Bill Hudnut, but was re-elected in 1974 and served until 1997.
Before serving in public office, Jacobs was a sheriff's deputy and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was known for creating the term "chicken hawks" for pro-war politicians who didn't spend time in the armed forces and didn't feel the need for their children to either.
"Indianapolis has lost one of its outstanding citizens," Hudnut. "I've lost a dear friend. He was helpful when he could be and willing to work across the aisle in order to make things happen."
Fellow lawmakers remember Jacobs as someone who was always willing to reach across the aisle to foster productive communication and results in Congress.
"That's why he kept getting elected," said Rep. Ed DeLaney, a Democrat. "He was a pillar of the local community, and he had a boyish charm, even when he got much older."
"He would be at hardwares and grocery stores and talk to people about their problems," former state GOP Chairman Gordon Durnil said. "That's the thing I was impressed with the most."
Mary Beth Schneider, a former statehouse reporter for the Indianapolis Star, called Jacobs "highly ethical."
"He firmly believed that you don't take fundraising calls in your office," Schneider said, "and you don't use your office phone for politics."
Former state Senator Vi Simpson not only admired Jacobs' political skill but leaned on him during a time where women in office was uncommon, often looked down upon.
"He was way ahead of his time on so many issues, including women serving for higher office," Simpson said. "He always encouraged me and made me feel that I have a future in politics in Indiana."
