James Eubert “Jim” Holshouser Jr. ’60, former governor of North Carolina from 1973-1977, died Monday, June 17, 2013 in Pinehurst, N.C. Holshouser was the first Republican governor to be elected in the 20th century, and was widely known for his support of education, environmental legislation, access to health care, and role in North Carolina’s transition to a strong two-party state.
Holshouser developed his interest in politics as a law student at Chapel Hill. Born in Boone, N.C., he attended Davidson College before coming to UNC School of Law, where he was also class president. In 1962, two years after law school, Holshouser was elected to the General Assembly where he served for four terms, and later elected to House majority leader and then state Republican Party chair.
After his tenure as governor, Holshouser spent many years in private practice and legal counsel. Most recently, he practiced with Nexsen Pruet’s financial services and economic development group, and co-chaired the firm’s public policy and government affairs practice in North Carolina. Holshouser remained active in North Carolina higher education, and was a member emeritus of the board of governors of the University of North Carolina.
Read more: In Memoriam
-June 17, 2013