The funeral for former Gov. James Baxter “Jim” Hunt Jr., North Carolina’s longest-serving governor, will take place Friday afternoon in Wilson, NC. Hunt died Dec. 18 at age 88. He lived in Wilson for many years with his wife, Carolyn Joyce Leonard Hunt.

The service will be held at 1 pm Friday, Dec. 26, at First Presbyterian Church, where family and friends will gather to honor his life and public service. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Joyner’s Funeral Home.

North Carolinians may also offer their condolences by signing a book at the state Capitol through Jan. 2, 2026.

Hunt’s long career left an indelible mark on state government. Elected governor four times, he served 16 years in the Executive Mansion, shaping North Carolina’s approach to public education, economic development, and state leadership. He was first elected governor at age 38. Hunt’s leadership spanned two distinct eras, from the late 1970s through the 1980s and again in the 1990s. His focus on education earned him a reputation as one of the state’s most consequential modern governors.

In a recent Carolina Journal commentary on his life and career, John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation, reflected on Hunt’s pragmatism and influence, observing that he helped recruit and inspire generations of political leaders and local policymakers and that his drive for consensus allowed him to accomplish significant reforms even in competitive political environments.

Hunt’s legacy includes initiatives aimed at strengthening public schools and expanding opportunities for children and families across North Carolina. His death prompted an outpouring of respect from political and civic leaders over the past week, underscoring his long-standing impact on the state’s policy and political landscape.

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Carolina Journal Governor of North Carolina Jim Hunt John Hood John William Pope Foundation Josh Stein North Carolina North Carolina State Capitol Public service Rachel Hunt Wilson
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