Local and state leaders respond to former Governor Jim Hunt’s death

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Former Governor Jim Hunt, who was a longtime figure in state politics, has died.

He was 88 years old.

Many credit the one-time Wilson County farm boy with redefining the office of Governor in North Carolina.

Hunt served as the 69th and 71st Governor of North Carolina.

He was the longest-serving governor in the state’s history with 4 terms from 1977 to 1985 and from 1993 to 2001.

Numerous statements from state and local leaders have been released in response to Hunt’s death, including here in the Cape Fear.

Hunt’s death was announced by his daughter, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt.

In a statement, Hunt said, “He devoted his life to serving the people of North Carolina… guided by a belief that public service should expand opportunity… strengthen communities… and always put people first.”

She goes on to say, “his leadership and compassion left a lasting impact on the lives of countless North Carolinians.”

Governor Josh Stein said in a statement: “I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt…he was a visionary who founded Smart Start, raised teacher pay, protected air quality, and created the NC Biotech Center…..he was a mentor and a friend.”

Here in the Cape Fear, reactions came in from both sides of the political aisle, as area leaders remembered Hunt and his legacy.

Before the start of the Leland town council meeting, councilmember Veronica Carter told attendees about Hunt’s death, which was followed by a moment of silence in his honor.

Brunswick County Commissioner and Republican Frank Williams spoke about how Hunt helped build up North Carolina as a great place for businesses to come to.

“He had a strong vision for the state, and you know, was probably the best salesman North Carolina’s ever had as far as going out and selling our state and recruiting businesses to this state,” Williams said.

While former Navassa mayor and Democrat Eulis Willis spoke about the impact Hunt had on himself.

“Jim Hunt in my mind was kind of like a pioneer for us,” Willis said. “He was, he was, I guess a moderate Democrat, but he was, he was a good Democrat, and I will miss him, I will miss what he stood for for me.”

At this time, no details have been released about Hunt’s cause of death or any funeral arrangements.

Stein has ordered all US and North Carolina flags to be lowered to half-staff starting Friday, December 19th, lasting until Hunt’s internment.