James Buskey, one of Alabama’s longest serving lawmakers, died Friday. He was 87.

Buskey, a Democrat, 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

“This is a tremendous loss for Mobile and for the state of Alabama,” said state Rep. Sam Jones, who was the city’s mayor from 2005-2013.

Before being elected to the House in 1976, Buskey was an educator. He taught math at several schools and served as assistant principal at Leflore High and Williamson High, and as principal at Chestang Middle School.

Rep. Napoleon Bracy, a Democrat from Mobile County, posted a tribute to Buskey on social media on Friday evening, with former students recalling their memories of Buskey and offering condolences.

Jones praised Buskey’s willingness and ability to work with lawmakers across the political aisle.

When Buskey retired, U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, a Republican representing Mobile in Congress at the time, honored him on the floor of the House of Representatives.

“While we have our share of political differences, I have always appreciated his institutional knowledge and respected his passion for our local community,” Byrne said then. “I am honored to call James a friend and appreciate his decades of service to the people of Mobile.”

Not only was Buskey a “consummate gentleman,” according to Jones, but also he knew the rules of the legislature, “probably better than anybody here.”

In fact, he said, Buskey had the nickname “Mr. Rules.”

“He was effective at using them to get things done,” Jones said.

In 2012, Buskey worked with state Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) to allow cities in Alabama to create entertainment districts, where people can drink alcohol outdoors, as long as the drinks stayed in plastic cups.

“He worked across the aisle,” said Jones, who holds the House seat Buskey kept for more than four decades. “I don’t think there’s been a legislator as well liked as James Buskey.”

He added that even after retirement, Buskey remained active in the Democratic Party and local politics.

“When people talked about running for office in Mobile County, usually they had to get around to talk to James Buskey,” Jones said.