My tradition is to make my year end column a tribute to major political figures that passed away during the year. My column last week did that, however, there were an inordinately large number of political leaders who passed away in 2024. Therefore, this week, I have a second tribute to two of the giants in Alabama legislative history. I had the honor of serving in the House of Representatives with these two icons, and they were two of my favorite legislative friends.

State Senator Jimmy Holley of Coffee County and State Representative James Buskey of Mobile, both passed away in November. They were not only legislative legends and lions, but they were also good men. They were ultimate public servants and gentlemen.

Holley was the most effective and well-versed legislator in my lifetime. Holley’s legislative career began in 1974. He served 20 years in the House from Coffee County. After five terms in the House, he transitioned to the State Senate serving six, four-year terms in the Senate. His District 31 was comprised of Coffee, Covington, Pike, and part of Dale counties. He retired in 2022, as his health was beginning to decline. He passed away a month ago, at age 80, in Elba.

Holley loved Coffee County, and he adored his wife, Mary, and his two sons and grandchildren. Both of his sons, their wives, and grandchildren live on the same land where he and Mary lived. He was the ultimate family man. He went to a lot of ball games.

Holley had become known as the premier parliamentarian in the senate. He was a master of the rules and was quietly, extremely effective. During his last decade in the senate, he had become a mentor to new, younger state senators, including Senator Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) and Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road). In fact, at the beginning of each quadrennium, there was a struggle to seek the seat next to Jimmy Holley, so that they could learn the intricacies of the Senate Rules and gather his institutional knowledge and wisdom.

Holley was a trusted friend. We sat next to each other for 16 years in the House of Representatives. We represented adjoining counties. I have never seen a more diligent and capable legislator. He worked at it. He did his homework. When most legislators would simply show up to vote and enjoy the nightly social events hosted by lobbyists and associations, Holley would go back to his hotel room and study legislation and sharpen up on the rules.

One day, Holley and I were sitting at our desks working on myriad legislation put out by the Rules Committee. I looked at the calendar and was unfamiliar with a looming bill about three bills down on the agenda. I asked him about the bill. He calmly told me all about the bill and then proceeded to tell me I probably was not going to vote for it since it was a trial lawyer bill. He knew my pro-business propensity. It occurred to me that he had read the bill in its entirety, as well as all the bills on the calendar the night before.

Governor Kay Ivey directed all flags flown at half-staff within the Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and throughout State Senate District 31, on November 7 and 8 in honor of Jimmy Holley as he was laid to rest. Reflecting on Holley’s legacy, Governor Ivey said, “Senator Holley’s remarkable 44 years of combined legislative service not only ensured he was a strong and effective representative of his constituents, but also allowed him to accumulate a vast knowledge of the process which afforded him great influence. During my time as Lt. Governor, Senator Holley always made his presence felt in shaping legislation. It was an honor to work with him for the people of Alabama. He was a true statesman.”

James Buskey, one of Alabama’s longest serving lawmakers, died Nov. 8, at age 87. Buskey was a Democrat and represented Mobile in the legislature for 42 years. When he retired in 2018, he was the second longest serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Buskey was one of the best legislators I ever served with. He was an educator by profession. He was passionate about education issues and his city of Mobile. The entire Mobile legislative delegation relied and depended on his astute legislative knowledge and leadership. He was the glue of the Mobile delegation.

Buskey was very witty and fun to be around. He was brilliant and always had a positive and happy demeanor. However, he could be a lion when somebody wanted to mess with Mobile. He truly was someone who worked across the political aisle. He was a friend. James Buskey was the consummate gentleman.

Steve Flowers served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.