Ex-Congressman Jontz dies at 55

[LiberalFighter]

Ex-Congressman Jontz dies at 55
IndyStar

Jim Jontz, an active environmentalist who carried that concern to a political career in the Indiana General Assembly and Congress, died Saturday in his home in Portland, Ore., at the age of 55.

Jontz, a Democrat, had been ill for two years with cancer that started in his colon, but only last week did his condition become generally known.

Word of his illness led to an outpouring of concern, including from U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., who defeated Jontz in the 1994 race for the U.S. Senate.

"This week, while Jim was still able to take calls, Richard Lugar called him, and the two had a very friendly conversation," said Jontz's stepfather, Paul Lennon, of Indianapolis' Northside.

[salin]

1. I remember the name (maybe because of the Senate run)

though I wasn't living in the state at that time. I don't recall more than the name. What district did he represent (in Congress) and when? Only wondering per the varying trends in districts (ala cold questions and not responding to his death).

Per his death - RIP and condolences to his family and friends.

[Jokerman]

2. If I remember correctly...

It was district 5 in the mid-north part of the state. The districts have, of course been re-gerrymandered a couple of times since then. At the time the district included Kokomo, Logansport, Monticello, Peru and lots of rural land in between.

Jontz beat the republican incumbent in '86, served three terms and was beaten by Buyer.

I was a full time staff worker for Jontz during the '86 campaign.