Democratic lawmaker, former judge Joe John dies at 85
John announced days earlier he would resign amid a terminal cancer diagnosis. Democrats will appoint a successor next week.
North Carolina Democratic Rep. Joe John died on Wednesday, just days after he announced his retirement due to a terminal throat cancer diagnosis.
John was first elected to the legislature in 2016. Before that, he served as a judge and crime lab director for the State Bureau of Investigation.
In a statement, John’s family announced the lawmaker’s passing. He was 85.
“In his final days, Joe found comfort and joy in the presence of his loving wife, Evelyn, his children, and his precious granddaughters,” the family wrote. “We are eternally grateful for the time we shared with him—each moment filled with laughter, love, and his unshakeable integrity. His spirit and the lessons he imparted will continue to guide us in the years ahead.”
House Democratic leader Robert Reives praised John as “a strong leader, outstanding public servant and a great friend.”
Wake County Democratic Party leaders will meet on Jan. 28 to send Democratic Gov. Josh Stein a nomination for a successor, per state law. The legislature reconvenes the following day.
“Joe John had a remarkable career,” Stein said in a statement. “As a judge, he was thoughtful and just. Anna felt privileged to have clerked for him on the Court of Appeals. As Director of the State Crime Lab, he raised its standards so our scientists could succeed. And as a legislator, he has been a champion for justice and public education. Judge John was kind and good. Anna and I will miss him very much and send our condolences to Evelyn and their kids Steffi, Joe, and Andy. May his memory be a blessing.”
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