BAY MINETTE, Ala. — James Herman Faulkner, 92, a political and business icon throughout the state, took his last breath Friday at 2 p.m. surrounded by family members.

He did not recover from a stroke several months ago, according to his son, James Faulkner Jr.

Within hours of his passing, the Internet was abuzz with tributes detailing a half century of philanthropy, public service and dedication to the growth and prosperity of Bay Minette and the state. Bay Minette officials ordered flags flown at half mast this week to honor his passing.

Faulkner, a Lamar County native, owned The Baldwin Times from 1936-1974. Other newspapers he published include The Onlooker in Foley, The Fairhope Courier and The South Alabamian in Jackson. He wrote a weekly column, “Mumblings,” for more than 60 years.

He also owned radio stations, founded insurance companies, and served as a bank director and vice chairman of the board of David Volkert and Associates Inc.

He was 21 years old when he purchased The Baldwin Times. He was elected mayor of Bay Minette at age 24 and served in the Alabama Senate. He ran twice for governor of Alabama and lost by close margins in both races: in 1954 to “Big Jim” Folsom and in 1958 when he ran third in the primary behind John Patterson and George Wallace.

After he left elective politics, he continued to work for industrial and economic development, as well as education in the state. During his tenure on the Alabama Press Association Journalism Foundation Board, he pushed to add journalism to the curriculum in Alabama’s junior colleges.

Faulkner was a driving force behind the development of the two-year college system and Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette is named in his honor.

John F. “Rickey” Rhodes, who served as mayor of Bay Minette from 1980 to 2000, said Faulkner focused on the people and development of Bay Minette, as well as the region and state.

“Growing up, I remember the gubernatorial campaigns and the attention it brought to Bay Minette and Baldwin County,” Rhodes said. “It may have been the best thing that he was not elected governor, because he focused on our region. His continuing focus on our community will never be matched.

“There will never be another Jimmy Faulkner. He was a great man, a great person and we will miss him.”

Baldwin County Commission chairman Frank Burt remembers Faulkner from high school days when the two were neighbors in the 1940s.

“I have known him most of my life and he was always a gentleman and treated everyone with respect,” Burt said. “People didn’t feel uncomfortable in his presence and he was always at ease with himself and willing to help anybody who went to him.”

Burt described Faulkner as a problem solver, negotiator and shrewd businessman with a national reputation.

“Sometimes government bureaucracy is frustrating,” Burt said. “He tried to always make me mindful of not giving up, treating people with respect and not taking things personally — just move forward.”

Burt said Faulkner met a stream of prospective business owners and was called on for advice for decades from governors.

“His reputation was known nationally and internationally,” Burt said. “He genuinely cared for all people. When you were with him, he had the gift of giving you his full, undivided attention.

“I am sure the Lord has someone else to come along to fill his shoes, but I cannot imagine who that person might be.”