James Holshouser obit

Former Gov. Jim Holshouser Dies

 

He was not on the list.

Former Gov. James Eubert Holshouser Jr, a Southern Pines resident who served as governor  from 1973-77 died early this morning at First Health of the Carolinas Medical Center in Pinehurst after a period of declining health. He was 78.

He was the state's youngest governor -- just 38 -- when he took office in 1973, having narrowly defeated challenger Skipper Bowles.

As governor, Holshouser, a Republican, presided over the consolidation of all the state’s senior colleges and universities into the University of North Carolina System, spearheaded capital improvement funding for the N.C. Community College System, and implemented statewide enrollment for kindergarten.

His achievements are all the more notable in that he was the first Republican governor in North Carolina since Reconstruction. The General Assembly remained in solid Democratic control.

Immediately, he made history by appointing the first woman to serve at the cabinet level. Grace Rohrer served as his Commissioner of the Department of Art, History and Culture.

“James Holshouser was more than a friend and mentor, he was a genuine leader,” said current Gov. Pat McCrory. “His passing is not only a loss for the state of North Carolina, but for the countless number of people who were personally touched by his guidance and kindness. Ann and I will have the Holshouser family in our prayers.”

Holshouser served on Governor’s McCrory’s transition team and offered advice on building a cabinet, preparing a budget and handling the demands of the governor’s office.

“His counsel was invaluable," Governor McCrory said. "Compassion was the foundation of Governor Holshouser’s life. He was a champion of education. He made health care available in counties that didn’t have doctors. And he provided historic professional opportunities to women and minorities. North Carolina is a better place because of his leadership and heart.”

During his term, Holshouser was also elected chairman of the Southern Regional Education Board. In 1979, he was elected to the UNC Board of Governors, was re-elected to a second term in 1987, and continues to serve as an emeritus member.

Holshouser has also served on the board of the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the Southern Regional Literacy Commission, the Governor’s Commission on Literacy, the board of trustees of Davidson College and St. Andrews Presbyterian College, and the board of advisers for Lees McRae College.

He was chairman of the successful $50 million capital fundraising campaign for Davidson College and played a significant leadership role in the approval of the 2000 Higher Education Improvement Bonds, which secured the support of all 100 counties in the state.

A native of Watauga County, Holshouser graduated from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was president of his senior class. Prior to taking office as governor, Holshouser served four terms in the N.C. House of Representatives. He was born in Boone.

Governor Holshouser paid special attention to the needs of rural North Carolina. As part of his health agenda, he established clinics in rural areas not served by local physicians. He also worked creatively to establish new economic opportunities through international trade. In September 1973, Holshouser led a North Carolina trade mission to the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.

In 1976, Holshouser decided not to seek re-election. After leaving office in 1977, he resumed his law practice in Boone and Southern Pines and continued to contribute to the community, including several years as the attorney for the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

Following a kidney transplant in 1986, Holshouser devoted much of his time and treasure to numerous organ transplant organizations including the board of directors of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Holshouser’s commitment to economic development for struggling communities never waned, and, in 1995 his efforts were recognized. He received the Distinguished Public Service citation from the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, now known as the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Holshouser earned numerous life achievement honors, but perhaps the most enduring are the professorships that bear his name. In 1997, Appalachian State University in Boone established the James E. Holshouser Jr. Distinguished Professor of Ethics chair in the Walker College of Business. Dr. Alan E. Singer currently holds the professorship.

In December 2012, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill established the James E. Holshouser Jr. Distinguished Professorship at the UNC School of Government. The professorship honors Holshouser’s emphasis on effective local government and the economic improvement of North Carolina’s communities.

Although a Republican, Holshouser never let political affiliations color his view or thinking. He had many strong Democrats as friends and even law partners. 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.

In a statement from Holshouser's family, daughter Ginny said, “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.”

A funeral service is planned for Friday, 1 p.m. at Brownson Memorial Church in Southern Pines.