Jim Hunt (D), NC governor who won four terms and shaped legacy on education, dies

Former Gov. Jim Hunt, the longest serving governor in North Carolina history, who championed education and served as a decades-long stalwart for the state’s Democratic Party, died Thursday, according to Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, his daughter. He was 88.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my beloved daddy and hero, former Gov. Jim Hunt,” Rachel Hunt said in a statement Thursday. “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. His leadership and compassion left a lasting impact on the lives of countless North Carolinians.

“To our family, he was a loving husband, dad, and granddad whose kindness and steady hand shaped our lives in immeasurable ways,” she continued. “We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support as we mourn and celebrate his extraordinary life.”

Hunt served four terms as North Carolina governor, from 1977-1985 and then again from 1993-2000.



https://ncnewsline.com/2025/12/18/jim-hunt-nc-governor-who-won-four-terms-and-shaped-legacy-on-education-dies/