Jim Sasser, a former U.S. Senator and ambassador to China, passed away at the age of 87 at his residence in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. His son, Gray Sasser, confirmed that his father died on Tuesday from an apparent heart attack. Sasser, a Democrat, represented Tennessee in the Senate for 18 years starting in 1977. He was appointed ambassador to China by President Bill Clinton and served in that role until 2001.
Initially elected to the Senate by defeating Republican Bill Brock in 1976, Sasser climbed the party leadership ranks and chaired the budget committee from 1989 to 1992. Despite a potential bid for Senate majority leader, he lost his re-election in 1994 to Republican Bill Frist. Subsequently, he became a consultant after retiring as an ambassador.
Described by his children as a believer in the importance of public service and government’s ability to enact positive change, Sasser took pride in assisting ordinary Tennesseans with various issues, such as disability claims and VA benefits. Born in Memphis and raised in Nashville, he graduated from Vanderbilt University and later Vanderbilt Law School.
Before his Senate tenure, Sasser worked as a lawyer in Nashville and was involved in Democratic politics, including managing Senator Albert Gore Sr.’s unsuccessful re-election campaign in 1970. He later became chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party and achieved revenge by defeating Brock in the 1976 Senate race. Sasser was re-elected in 1982 and 1988 before losing to Frist, marking the end of Democratic representation from Tennessee in the Senate.
Following his Senate career, Sasser spent time as a fellow at Harvard University. Remembered by his family for his love for them, Tennessee, his Senate service, and classic cars, Sasser is survived by his wife, Mary, and four grandchildren.