IRI Statement on the Passing of Jim Kolbe

Washington, DC – The International Republican Institute (IRI) issued the following statement on the passing of longtime IRI board member and former Vice Chair, Jim Kolbe:

“Jim Kolbe was a man known not only for his convictions and work ethic, but also a kindness and warmth that illuminated all that he did in life. IRI was privileged to have Jim as a board member. He lived a life of service to his country and to the cause of freedom. He didn’t just understand the importance of democracy around the world, but fought for it as well. We send our deepest condolences to Jim’s husband Hector, his entire family, and those who knew him well during these difficult times. His legacy will live on.”

Jim Kolbe joined IRI’s board in 1993. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board from December 2013 to August 2018. For 22 years, Jim Kolbe served in the United States House of Representatives, elected for eleven consecutive terms, from 1985 to 2007. He represented the Eighth (previously designated the Fifth) congressional district, comprising the southeastern part of Arizona with Tucson as the main population area.

While in Congress, Jim served for 20 years on the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, responsible for deciding the allocation of the budget and the terms for spending appropriated funds. He was chairman of the Treasury, Post Office and Related Agencies subcommittee for four years, and for the last six years in Congress, he chaired the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Agencies subcommittee.