Tim Colbert served in the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature representing Chickasaw people in the Tishomingo District for an unprecedented 12 consecutive terms, spanning four decades. During this time, he became an associate district judge for Murray, Johnston, Marshall and Love counties.

Colbert was born April 9, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Chickasaw Hall of Fame member, the Hon. George Dixie Colbert and Ruby Colbert. He was raised in Sulphur, Oklahoma, graduating from Sulphur High School in 1968.

Colbert attended the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University earning his juris doctorate in 1976. After being admitted into the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1976, he became a charter member of the Chickasaw Bar Association. Elected to the Chickasaw Tribal Council in 1979 Colbert represented District 5 and later became a member of the new Chickasaw Tribal Legislature in 1983.

As a member of the legislature, Colbert served on the tribal health care and commerce committees. He retired in 2019, a culmination of 40 years as a Chickasaw legislator.

Since then, Colbert has been active serving the Murray County community as a member and volunteer at St. Francis Catholic Church, Dougherty Volunteer Fire Department, Murray County Bar and Chickasaw Bar Associations.