North Carolina Gov Jim Hunt obit.

Four-term North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt, a major figure in late 20th-century state politics, has died at 88. His daughter, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, announced his passing on Thursday. Hunt was known as a pioneer “education governor,” serving 16 years as North Carolina transitioned to a high-tech economy. First elected in 1976, he was the first governor to serve successive four-year terms. Hunt focused on public education, creating initiatives like the Smart Start early childhood program. Even in his 80s, he advocated for education funding. His influence on education reform is recognized nationally, particularly in the Southeast.