Jim Hunt facts for kids
James Baxter Hunt Jr. (born May 16, 1937, died December 18, 2025) was an important American politician and a lawyer. He served as the Governor of North Carolina for four terms, from 1977 to 1985 and again from 1993 to 2001. This made him the longest-serving governor in North Carolina's history. He was known for his strong leadership. His daughter, Rachel Hunt, is currently the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina.
Quick facts for kids
Jim Hunt
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Official portrait, c. 1993–2001
|
|
| 69th and 71st Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office January 9, 1993 – January 6, 2001 |
|
| Lieutenant | Dennis Wicker |
| Preceded by | James G. Martin |
| Succeeded by | Mike Easley |
| In office January 8, 1977 – January 5, 1985 |
|
| Lieutenant | James C. Green |
| Preceded by | James Holshouser |
| Succeeded by | James G. Martin |
| 27th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office January 5, 1973 – January 8, 1977 |
|
| Governor | James Holshouser |
| Preceded by | Hoyt Patrick Taylor Jr. |
| Succeeded by | James C. Green |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Baxter Hunt Jr.
May 16, 1937 Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | December 18, 2025 (aged 88) Lucama, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Carolyn Leonard
(m. 1958) |
| Children | 4, including Rachel and Baxter |
| Education | |
Contents
Jim Hunt's Early Life and Education
Jim Hunt was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on May 16, 1937. His father worked to protect soil, and his mother was a schoolteacher. When he was young, his family moved to a farm near Wilson, North Carolina.
He attended North Carolina State University, where he earned degrees in agricultural education and agricultural economics. While there, he was very active in student government and was elected Student Body President twice. Later, in 1964, he earned a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He also led the Young Democratic Clubs of North Carolina, which helped young people get involved in politics.
Jim Hunt's Path in Politics
Before his political career in North Carolina, Jim Hunt worked as an economic advisor in Nepal from 1964 to 1966. He helped with many political campaigns.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
In 1972, he successfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. He started this role on January 5, 1973. During this time, the importance of the Lieutenant Governor's job grew. The state legislature increased its salary and staff.
Serving as Governor
.png)
Jim Hunt became the Governor of North Carolina on January 8, 1977. He holds the record for being the only governor in North Carolina elected to four terms. He won his first election in 1976 and was re-elected in 1980. He supported a change in the state's constitution. This change allowed him to run for a second term right after his first, which was new for North Carolina governors.
After losing a race for the U.S. Senate in 1984, he took a break from elections for eight years. He returned to politics in 1992 and won the governorship again. He was re-elected by a large number of votes in 1996. Governor Hunt finished his last term in January 2001.
What Governor Hunt Achieved
Governor Hunt worked on many important issues during his time in office.
Supporting Equal Rights and Education
In the 1970s, Governor Hunt supported the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment aimed to ensure equal rights for all citizens. He also strongly believed in good education for children. He helped create the Smart Start program. This program helps young children get ready for school. He believed that good testing and accountability helped students learn more. He noted that student test scores improved during his time as governor.
Focus on Teaching and Learning
Jim Hunt led a special group called the Carnegie Task Force on Teaching as a Profession. This group helped create the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This board helps make sure teachers are highly skilled. He also served on a commission that looked at the future of higher education.
Boosting Technology and Business
As governor, Hunt worked hard to bring new technology and businesses to North Carolina. He helped start the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. This center focuses on science and technology. He also supported the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. This special school helps talented students learn about science and math. He was very good at attracting companies to the state, creating jobs.
Important Legal Cases
Governor Hunt was involved in some important legal cases. One was the case of the Wilmington Ten. This case drew a lot of national attention. In 1978, Governor Hunt decided to reduce the sentences for those involved. He also faced criticism in another case where a man, Darryl Hunt, was later found to be innocent. The next governor, Mike Easley, later pardoned Darryl Hunt.
North Carolina's Tobacco Industry
North Carolina has a long history with the tobacco industry. Governor Hunt supported this industry, which was important for the state's economy.
Life After Governorship
After leaving office, Jim Hunt continued to work for the good of North Carolina. He founded and led the Institute for Emerging Issues at North Carolina State University. In 2001, he also started The Hunt Institute. This organization helps leaders and policymakers improve public education. It works to create better learning opportunities for students everywhere.
Jim Hunt's Family and Passing
Jim Hunt married Carolyn Leonard in 1958. They had four children: a son named James Baxter Hunt III and three daughters. One of their daughters, Rachel Hunt, is currently the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. Jim Hunt passed away at his home in Lucama, North Carolina, on December 18, 2025, at the age of 88.
Jim Hunt's Legacy
Many places and organizations are named after Governor Hunt to honor his contributions:
- James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership & Policy Foundation, Inc.
- The James B. Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University Centennial Campus
- James Hunt High School in Wilson County, North Carolina
- James B. Hunt Jr. Residence Hall at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
- The James B. Hunt Horse Complex at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds
- The M/V Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. ferry, which operates on the Currituck Sound
- Hunt Hall (a dormitory) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
See also
- List of North Carolina Governors
