Gov. Jim Hunt, advocate for biotech, dies

James B. Hunt Jr., a populist four-term governor who championed biotechnology as a new economic engine for North Carolina and led the creation of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, died Dec. 18. He was 88.

“I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Gov. Jim Hunt,” said Gov. Josh Stein. “He was a visionary who founded Smart Start, raised teacher pay, protected air quality and created the NC Biotech Center. On a personal level, he was a mentor and dear friend.”

Hunt, with bipartisan support from the General Assembly, established NCBiotech in 1984 as a non-profit organization charged with boosting biotech research, education and business throughout the state. He and others believed that the new industry could help the state offset declines in its legacy industries, tobacco, furniture and textiles while boosting health care, agriculture and other industries.

That early vision has paid handsome dividends. Since NCBiotech’s founding in 1984, biotechnology and the life sciences have grown dramatically in North Carolina. Today the state has 840 life sciences companies that employ over 100,000 people in high-paying jobs.

“I am saddened by the passing of Gov. Hunt but grateful for his many lasting contributions to North Carolina, particularly in education, technology and economic development,” said Doug Edgeton, president and chief executive officer of NCBiotech. “His recognition decades ago that biotechnology could energize our state’s economy and improve lives has been proven correct.”

Hunt is also credited with driving numerous other initiatives to boost education, economic development and public leadership, including the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics, the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), the Centennial Campus at North Carolina State University, the Hunt Institute at Duke University and the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State.

Leaders throughout the state issued statements honoring Hunt for his long life of public service and impact.

“Susan and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Gov. Jim Hunt, who was one of the most consequential public servants in North Carolina's history,” said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. “His commitment to public education and economic development made a profound impact on our state that continues to this day.”

“Not only was he the greatest governor in North Carolina history, he brought a caring and committed purpose to everything he did, especially our children and our schools,” said former Gov. Roy Cooper.

Hunt was governor from 1977 to 1985, and again from 1993 to 2001, becoming the longest-serving governor in state history. He also was lieutenant governor from 1973 to 1977.

“Jim Hunt was 'The Governor' and was not only a great public servant but the greatest salesperson ever for our state,” said former Gov. Pat McCrory. “Personally, he was a wonderful mentor to me as a mayor [of Charlotte] and governor.”

He was born in Greensboro and grew up on a family farm near Wilson. He graduated from North Carolina State College, now known as NC State, with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in agricultural economics. He earned a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Hunt died at his home in Lucama, a small town of 1,000 people in Wilson County.