Republican Representative, Walter Jones, from North Carolina, aged 76, breathed his last on Sunday (local time).
CNN cited a statement on the Congressman's website as reading, "After faithfully representing the people of Eastern North Carolina in Congress and the state legislature for over 34 years, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) passed away this afternoon in Greenville, North Carolina. He was 76."
"Congressman Jones was a man of the people. With a kind heart and the courage of his convictions, he dedicated his life to serving his Savior and to standing up for Americans who needed a voice. He was a champion for our men and women in uniform and their families, always mindful of their service and sacrifice."
"Congressman Jones will long be remembered for his honesty, faith and integrity. He was never afraid to take a principled stand. He was known for his independence, and widely admired across the political spectrum. Some may not have agreed with him, but all recognized that he did what he thought was right. He will be sorely missed," the statement added.
On further information from his office, CNN reported that the legislator's health drastically declined after he suffered a hip injury, last month, at his home, followed by a surgery.
According to Fox News, the North Carolina Representative was first elected to the US Congress in 1994, where he represented the State's 3rd District, including the cities of Kinston, Greenville and New Bern.
Jones was one of the supporters of the US invasion of Iraq-led by the Saddam Hussain government in 2003, however, later regretting his decision.
"I did not do what I should have done to read and find out whether Bush was telling us the truth about Saddam being responsible for 9/11 and having weapons of mass destruction," Jones was quoted as saying to radio host Tyler Cralle in 2015, while adding, "Because I did not do my job then, I helped kill 4,000 Americans, and I will go to my grave regretting that."
Before being elected as a member of the US Congress, Jones had served the House of Representative from North Carolina for 10 years.
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