RALEIGH, N.C. — Jim Hunt, the influential four-term governor of North Carolina, passed away at 88, leaving a legacy centered on transformative education reforms and public service. His daughter, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, announced that he died peacefully on Thursday at his home in Wilson County.

Jim Hunt, whose political career spanned several decades, was a stalwart in North Carolina’s and national Democratic politics, passionately advocating for public education. He was first elected in 1976 and later became the first governor in the state to serve consecutive four-year terms following a constitutional change.

Rachel Hunt described her father as a person dedicated to the service of North Carolina’s people, "guided by a belief that public service should expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and always put people first." She remembered him as her "beloved daddy and hero," a sentiment echoed by many who admired Hunt's commitment to enhancing public education and his broader vision for the state.

Under Hunt’s leadership, North Carolina transitioned from its traditional tobacco and textile industries to a more diversified high-tech economy. His efforts in education were revolutionary, making the state a pioneer by introducing full-day kindergarten programs in the 1970s and establishing the Smart Start initiative in the 1990s, which prepared children for school and stood as a model nationwide.

Hunt's influence extended beyond his gubernatorial terms as he remained a key figure in shaping Democratic strategies and mentoring future leaders, including former Gov. Roy Cooper and the late U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. His endorsements and campaigns for figures like President Barack Obama in 2012 and Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2016 further underscored his continuing involvement in politics.

His commitment to education was not just a policy stance but a personal mission, as seen in his post-office years where he was actively involved with the Durham-based Hunt Institute, which educates upcoming political leaders on public education policy.

Reflecting on Hunt's indelible impact, current Gov. Josh Stein praised him as a significant architect of North Carolina's successes. Former Governor Roy Barnes of Georgia highlighted that "We will feel the effect of Jim Hunt’s leadership for generations to come."

Even in his 80s, Hunt passionately advocated for substantial educational funding over tax cuts, showcasing his unwavering commitment to public service.

His political journey also included a notable moment in his first term, where he commuted the sentences of the "Wilmington 10," a group involved in a controversial civil rights case. This decision marked a significant moment in North Carolina's history of racial justice.

Jim Hunt's legacy is not just in the policies he enacted or the economic transitions he spearheaded, but in the countless lives transformed by his vision and determination. As the state and the nation remember his contributions, his family prepares for a memorial that will honor his monumental life and service. Details of the memorial will be announced later, providing an opportunity for all to pay their respects to a true giant in North Carolina's history.