Congressman Don Davis Honors the Life of Governor Jim Hunt

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)honored the life of former North Carolina Governor James "Jim" Baxter Hunt Jr. on the House Floor. Governor Hunt, a constituent of Congressman Davis, served as North Carolina's 69th and 71st governor and was the state's longest-serving governor, remembered for modernizing North Carolina's economy, strengthening its institutions, and elevating the state as a national leader in education and innovation. Governor Hunt passed away at 88 years old on December 18th on his farm in Rock Ridge, where he grew up and lived with his beloved wife, Carolyn Joyce Leonard Hunt, for 67 years.

The following is a transcript of Congressman Davis' remarks:

"Mr. Speaker, Governor James Baxter Hunt Junior's story is inseparable from North Carolina's. From humble beginnings growing up in Wilson County, North Carolina, to his historic service as our lieutenant governor and first election as governor at 38 years old, he served four terms as our 69th and 71st governor.

North Carolina's longest-serving governor was a farmer, and he loved North Carolina State University. Die hard! Although he later completed law school at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Governor Hunt believed that public service should lift up people and create opportunities for everyone. His unwavering dedication to education changed the lives of countless children and families through heartfelt initiatives such as Smart Start, early childhood education, teacher support, and school accountability. He helped generations of children have a stronger foundation and a brighter future beyond policy and politics.

Governor Hunt led with honesty, with humility, gentleness, and genuine care for others. He believed that the government, guided by fairness and compassion, could be a force of good. His leadership modernized North Carolina's economy, strengthened its institutions, and elevated the state as a national leader in education and innovation. Throughout decades, bridging party lines with his unmatched energy, his influence defined an era.

Governor Hunt was not only a dedicated public servant but also a mentor, inspiring many elected and appointed officials. He was my constituent who did not mind sharing his thoughts and, above all, sharing his support and encouragement. He was devoted to his family. His legacy of love and service lives on through his family that he cherished, and those he inspired. Governor Hunt was admired, respected, and loved deeply by the people of North Carolina. His reach went beyond our state and made America stronger. And through his leadership, our nation saw the best of eastern North Carolina.

His vision, humble leadership, and faith that came from his days at Marsh Swamp Baptist Church and later at First Presbyterian Church of Wilson drove him.

He passed away at 88 years old on December 18 on his farm in Rock Ridge, where he grew up and lived with his beloved wife, Carolyn Joyce Leonard Hunt, for 67 years. Our governor and first lady shared a deep, deep partnership built on love and friendship.

He took great pride in his children's accomplishments, especially seeing his daughter Rachel following in his footsteps as our lieutenant governor. Carolyn, Rebecca, Baxter, Rachel, and Elizabeth, our hearts are with you.

North Carolina will miss one of its greatest public servants. His family will miss a beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather. And I will personally miss a dear friend."

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