Death of Former Governor Jim Holshouser, Jr. | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

Statement from Governor Jim Holshouser's Family

    Governor Jim Holshouser's family asked that the Office of Governor McCrory release the following statement on its behalf:

    Southern Pines, NC     Former Governor Jim Holshouser passed away today at First Health of the Carolinas Medical Center in Pinehurst after a period of declining health. Holshouser was elected in 1972 as North Carolina's 68th governor and the first Republican governor since 1896. He was the youngest NC governor ever elected and the last NC governor not eligible to run for a second term. Holshouser remained an active public servant until just a few weeks ago as a member of the Board of Governors for the University of North Carolina system, the National Mortgage Settlement task force, and the Public Policy and Affairs group with the law firm of Nexsen Pruet.

    Holshouser continued in law practice with his firm, Sanford Holshouser, in Pinehurst until his death. Holshouser and Former NC Governor Terry Sanford joined forces in 1997 to promote strong economic development for North Carolina. And he partnered closely with Former Governor Jim Hunt to promote strong education and state-funded judicial elections and with Former UNC President Erskine Bowles to promote a strong University. Holshouser was committed to working in partnership with both Republicans and Democrats out of his commitment to serve all North Carolinians.

    In a statement from his family, daughter Ginny shared, "We are grateful for the loving care of the staff at First Health and St. Joseph's of the Pines and for the many friends and family who have so lovingly supported him and our family through the last several months. Most of all, we are grateful for his example of wisdom, integrity, love and servant leadership."

    Holshouser was also a long-term kidney transplant survivor and a strong advocate for organ donation. He received a kidney transplant in December, 1986. In a twist of fate, Jim and Pat Holshouser were married 52 years ago today.

    Memorial service arrangements have not been announced.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
     govpress@nc.gov