Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt has died at the age of 88, his daughter, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, announced Thursday. Hunt, the longest-serving governor in the state’s history, passed away peacefully at his home in Wilson County, according to his family.
James Baxter Hunt Jr. served four terms as governor, holding office from 1977 to 1985 and again from 1993 to 2001, totaling 16 years in the state’s highest office. He remains the only governor in North Carolina history elected to four terms and was widely known for shaping the state’s modern political and economic landscape.
Hunt earned a national reputation as the “education governor,” championing early childhood and public education initiatives throughout his tenure. His administration launched the Smart Start program, expanded access to full-day kindergarten, pushed for higher teacher pay, and supported the growth of institutions focused on science, technology, and research.
Under Hunt’s leadership, North Carolina shifted away from its traditional reliance on tobacco, textiles, and furniture manufacturing, moving toward a more diversified economy centered on technology, research, and biotechnology. His policies helped strengthen the Research Triangle and position the state for long-term economic growth.
Reaction to Hunt’s death came from leaders across the political spectrum, many praising his vision, bipartisanship, and decades of public service. Current and former state leaders credited him with laying the foundation for many of North Carolina’s educational and economic successes.
Before becoming governor, Hunt served as lieutenant governor and later ran for the U.S. Senate in 1984, narrowly losing the race. After a period out of elected office, he returned in the 1990s to win two additional terms as governor.
Hunt is survived by his wife, Carolyn, their son James Baxter Hunt III, and three daughters, including Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
