Jim Exon was an American politician, two-term Governor of Nebraska (1971-79) and three-term U.S. Senator (1979-97). He was the first person to ever serve eight years as Governor of Nebraska. Exon was a successful businessman who founded and served as president (1953-71) of Exon's Incorporated, which grew into one of Nebraska's best known office equipment firms.

Senator J. James Exon authored and secured passage of numerous bills, served on many committees including the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senate Budget Committee, and was the Ranking Member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. "Big Jim" may have been a Democrat, but often sided with Republicans on military and budget issues. He never lost an election, had a long history of fiscal responsibility, deficit reduction, and was an advocate for agriculture, rural America, commerce, transportation issues and a strong national defense.

Full or original name at birth: John James Exon, Jr.

Date and place of birth: August 9, 1921, Geddes, South Dakota, U.S.A.

Date, time, place and cause of death: June 10, 2005, at 8:30 p.m., Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A. (Natural causes)

Marriage
Wife: Patricia Ann Pros (September 18, 1943 - June 10, 2005) (his death)

Children
Son: Stephen James Exon
Daughters: Pamela Exon and Candace Exon

Parents
Father: John James Exon, Sr.
Mother: Luella (Johns) Exon

Burial site: Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A.