Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt has died
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt announced on Thursday that her father, former Governor Jim Hunt has died. He was 88.
Hunt served as North Carolina’s 69th and 71st governor. He was the longest serving governor in the state’s history with four terms from 1977 to 1985 and 1993 to 2001.
In a press release, Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt called her dad her hero and said information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in the coming days.
Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt went on to say, “To our family, he was a loving husband, dad, and granddad whose kindness and steady hand shaped our lives in immeasurable ways. We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support as we mourn and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
The Hunt family released the following statement:
“Our family is deeply saddened to share the passing of James B. Hunt, Jr. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, whose life and work touched so many across our state. We are thankful for the prayers and support for our family during this time.”
Governor Josh Stein released the following statement:
“I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt. Governor for 16 years, he was a visionary who founded Smart Start, raised teacher pay, protected air quality, and created the NC Biotech Center. On a personal level, he was a mentor and dear friend. Anna and I are keeping Carolyn, Rachel, and the entire Hunt family in our thoughts and prayers. May Governor Hunt’s memory be a blessing. He certainly was for North Carolina.”
Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement:
“Susan and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Jim Hunt, who was one of the most consequential public servants in North Carolina’s history. His commitment to public education and economic development made a profound impact on our state that continues to this day. We send our deepest condolences to his loving family.”
Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch released the following statement:
“Like so many North Carolinians, I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Governor Jim Hunt, one of the greatest public servants to ever serve the state of North Carolina. As the longest-serving governor in our state’s history, Governor Hunt wasn’t just a historic figure, he was a leader who truly believed in the people of this state and dedicated his life to making North Carolina a place where everyone could thrive. Through his unwavering commitment to early childhood education, strong public schools, and rural economic development, Governor Hunt changed the trajectory of countless lives and set a standard for what compassionate, selfless and forward-looking leadership can achieve. Today, I join millions of North Carolinians in celebrating his life, grieving his loss, and recommitting myself to the work of upholding the values he lived by: integrity, service, and the fundamental promise that every child in North Carolina deserves the chance to succeed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hunt family during this difficult time. May his memory always be a blessing and a guide for the good we can accomplish when we lead with care,
compassion, and community.”
