Celebrating a Life of Service

May 16, 1937 - December 18, 2025

Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.
The Education Governor

Governor James B. Hunt, Jr., who passed away December 18, 2025, devoted more than five decades to public service, guided by an unwavering belief that education is the cornerstone of opportunity, democracy, and economic strength. 

As North Carolina’s longest-serving governor—holding office for an unprecedented 16 years across four terms (1977-1985, 1993-2001)—he reshaped the state’s education landscape and became a prototype for the modern “education governor.” 

"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." — Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt

Celebrating

A Legacy Built on Education

Governor Hunt created Smart Start, North Carolina’s nationally recognized early childhood initiative that now serves families in all 100 counties. The program received the prestigious Innovations in American Government Award from the Ford Foundation and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and remains a national model for preparing children for school. 

“If there is one person that is responsible for remaking and reforming education in the nation, particularly in the Southeast and starting with North Carolina, it is Jim Hunt. We will feel the effect of Jim Hunt’s leadership for generations to come.“ — Former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes 

In His Own Words 

“I’m proud of what we’ve done together. But I’m far from satisfied about where we are and determined to keep doing my little bit, I guess, to help us keep changing things and improving things in North Carolina. And I know you do it mainly through education.” — Governor Hunt, May 2017 interview 

“The job of governor of North Carolina is the best political job in America. Being governor is such a wonderful opportunity … You can really make things happen.” 

“Education is the great equalizer. It’s the ticket to opportunity for every child, regardless of their circumstances.” 

Striving for Success

Under Governor Hunt's leadership in the 1990s, North Carolina public schools improved test scores more than any other state.

National Education Leadership

Governor Hunt’s influence extended far beyond North Carolina: 

  • Co-founded the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, establishing rigorous standards for teaching excellence nationwide 
  • Chaired the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future, producing the influential 1996 report “What Matters Most: Teaching for America’s Future” 
  • Chaired the National Education Goals Panel and served as vice chair of Achieve, Inc. 
  • Served as chairman of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education 
  • Advised presidents and governors from both parties on education reform 

“[He was] the greatest Governor in North Carolina history.” — Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper 

“I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt,” said North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, a Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellow. “His vision for educational excellence and expanding opportunity for every child crossed party lines, and his legacy will be honored through the work of The Hunt Institute.”

A Life of Public Service

Born: May 16, 1937, in Greensboro, North Carolina 

Early Years: Grew up on his family’s tobacco and dairy farm in Wilson County 

Education: 

  • North Carolina State University (twice serving as student body president) 
  • University of North Carolina School of Law 

Public Service: 

  • President, North Carolina Young Democrats (1968) 
  • Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina (1973-1977) 
  • Governor of North Carolina (1977-1985, 1993-2001) 

Personal: Married Carolyn Leonard Hunt in 1958. After law school, they lived in Nepal for two years while working for the Ford Foundation. Father of four children, including Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt. 

Memorial Information 

The Hunt family has shared that a funeral service honoring the life of former Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. will be held on Friday, December 26, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Wilson, North Carolina. A reception will follow at the church. All are welcome to attend and join in remembering and celebrating Governor Hunt’s life and legacy.

Share Your Memories

Governor Hunt touched countless lives through his dedication to education and public service. We invite you to share your memories, reflections, and stories of how Governor Hunt’s leadership impacted you, your family, or your community here.

 

The Hunt Institute remains deeply committed to advancing the values and vision that guided Governor Hunt’s work: that education is the cornerstone of opportunity, that policy should be grounded in research and evidence, and that leaders who work across the aisle can solve problems and change lives. 

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