Former North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., a transformational figure in state politics who served a historic four terms and became nationally known for his work to improve public education, died Jan. 6, 2001. He was 67.
Hunt, a Democrat, first led the state from 1977 to 1985 and later returned to office from 1993 to 2001. Over the course of his unprecedented tenure, he reshaped North Carolina’s approach to early childhood development, teacher quality, juvenile justice, and environmental protections.
Born May 16, 1937, in Greensboro, Hunt grew up on a Wilson County farm, where he developed a lifelong connection to agriculture. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 1959 and a master’s in agricultural economics in 1962 from North Carolina State University. In 1964, he completed his law degree at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law.
Before entering statewide politics, Hunt served as a Ford Foundation economic adviser in Nepal from 1964 to 1966. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1972 and served until 1977, when he began his first two terms as governor.
Hunt’s signature Smart Start initiative, launched during his later terms, became a national model for early childhood education. The program expanded access to quality child care, immunizations and family services. It earned the prestigious Innovations in American Government Award from the Ford Foundation and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
A leading voice on educational reform, Hunt championed higher standards and increased pay for teachers through the Excellent Schools Act of 1997 and promoted rigorous professional certification as founding chair of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. His work extended nationally as he chaired the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, the National Education Goals Panel and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.
Under Hunt’s leadership in the 1990s, North Carolina’s public schools saw test score gains that outpaced every other state, according to analysis by the Rand Corporation.
Hunt also left a mark on environmental policy, signing sweeping air quality legislation in 1999, and pursued reforms in juvenile justice focused on both accountability and prevention.
His commitment to education continued beyond his time in office. In 2001, The Hunt Institute was established to carry forward his vision of informed, effective education policy leadership. The nonprofit organization later partnered with Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy to strengthen research and partnerships aimed at improving outcomes for students nationwide. Hunt served as chair of the institute’s board.
Hunt is survived by his wife, with whom he raised four children. He continued to maintain deep ties to his agricultural roots, operating a cattle farm in Wilson County.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt is mourning the passing of her father and Former Governor Jim Hunt, releasing this statement to News 12:
It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of my beloved daddy and hero, former Governor Jim Hunt. 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. We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support as we mourn and celebrate his extraordinary life.
Statement from the Hunt Family:
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.
Statement from Greenville Mayor PJ Connelly:
Sorry to hear about the passing of former Governor Jim Hunt today. I will be praying for his family and we are thankful for his service to North Carolina.
