Days after announcing his resignation from the North Carolina General Assembly, longtime Wake County Democratic state Rep. Joe John, District 40, has died. He was 85.
He announced his resignation on Sunday, citing a terminal throat cancer diagnosis and that all treatment options had been exhausted.
His family made the announcement Wednesday evening on his Facebook page.
“With profound sadness and deep gratitude for his life, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Representative Joe John Sr. After a courageous battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.”
They said while John was a “dedicated statesman who selflessly committed decades of his life to serving the people of North Carolina, the title he held most dear was “Pa,” a role in which he truly shined with adoration and devotion.”
“While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the profound impact he had on all of us. His memory will forever live on in our hearts, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him,”
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, children, Steffi, Andy, and Joe Jr., and granddaughters.
John said in his statement that although it was an incredibly difficult decision, he wanted to spend the rest of his time focusing on his health and spending time with his family.
“Throughout this journey, I’ve given everything I have, and I am deeply proud of the work we’ve done together as a community,” he said in his announcement. “I was first elected as your State Representative in 2016, and I have been honored to serve four terms, winning five consecutive elections. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
John also served the state in various other roles, including as a state superior court judge, a state district court judge, a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) crime lab before he was elected to the legislature.
He said he hoped his legacy would be one of “dedication to the common good, working to build bridges, advocate for the voiceless, and fight for justice.”
“I will always treasure the opportunity to have been part of such a remarkable community.”
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming. Democrats in Wake County will select his replacement in the state House.
The post Longtime Wake County state Rep. Joe John has passed away first appeared on Carolina Journal.
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