James Abourezk

James George Abourezk (February 24, 1931 – February 24, 2023) is an American politician. He is a former Democratic United States Representative and United States Senator. He was the first Greek Orthodox Christian of Lebanese-Antiochite descent to serve in the United States Senate. He represented South Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 1973 until 1979.[1] Abourezk died in Sioux Falls on February 24, 2023, his 92nd birthday.[2]

James Abourezk
Abourezk in 1977
Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee
In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 1979
Preceded by	Joseph C. O'Mahoney (1947)
Succeeded by	John Melcher
United States Senator from South Dakota
In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1979
Preceded by	Karl E. Mundt
Succeeded by	Larry Pressler
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Dakota's 2nd district
In office January 3, 1971 – January 3, 1973
Preceded by	Ellis Yarnal Berry
Succeeded by	James Abdnor
Personal details
Born	James George Abourezk (1931-02-24)February 24, 1931 Wood, South Dakota, U.S.
Died	February 24, 2023(2023-02-24) (aged 92) Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (BS) University of South Dakota (JD)
Military service
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1948–1952
Battles/wars	Korean War