NC leaders remember longtime congressman Jim Broyhill

Jim Broyhill, a Republican who spent nearly a quarter-century representing North Carolina in Congress, has died at age 95. His family announced the news Saturday.

Broyhill died in a Winston-Salem retirement home. He had suffered for years from congestive heart failure.

A native of Lenoir, Broyhill was the youngest son of the owner of the Broyhill Furniture business. Voters in his region first sent him to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1963. He represented both the 9thand 10th congressional districts. Broyhill served in the House until Republican Gov. Jim Martin appointed him in 1986 to complete a U.S. Senate term. Broyhill lost an election that year to keep his job. Martin later appointed Broyhill N.C. Secretary of Commerce in 1989.

“I appreciate Senator Broyhill’s commitment and service to North Carolina and our prayers are with the Broyhill family today,” Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted in response to the news.

“I can only hope to be as good of a steward of this Senate seat as Senator Broyhill,” said Sen. Ted Budd, the Republican who took over the seat once held by Broyhill in January.

“Amy Kate and I would like to extend our deepest prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Senator Jim Broyhill,” Budd tweeted. “Our family will always treasure his friendship, and his service to the people of North Carolina will live on as the model of a southern statesman.”

“Jim Broyhill was a remarkable servant leader who always delivered for our state in the halls of Congress and played an instrumental role in building the modern day North Carolina Republican Party,” said Sen. Thom Tillis. “Susan and I send our deepest condolences to the Broyhill family.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and former U.S. Senator Jim Broyhill, who served North Carolina both in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, the current 9th District congressman. “Serving the people of North Carolina was Jim’s lifelong passion, and he will long be remembered for his dedication to constituent service. He was a friend who took time to mentor many elected leaders in our state, including myself. I will never forget the lessons he taught me or his support during my first run for Congress. Renee and I extend our condolences to the Broyhill family, and our thoughts and prayers are with his many friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

State Treasurer Dale Folwell also honored the “long-time public servant” Broyhill. “His passing marks the end of an era in North Carolina Republican politics. After serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for 23 years, and in the U.S. Senate, … his contributions to the people of this state will never be forgotten. Everywhere I go in North Carolina and beyond, folks ask me about Sen Jim Broyhill. He and his wife of 72 years Louise are both classy examples of public service above self. Even though he will be missed, we will continue to stand on his shoulders.”

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