Reactions to Jim Long's death

“Our hearts are broken over the loss of our former leader and dear friend, Jim Long. For 24 years, we were fortunate enough to work by his side, sharing both personal and professional triumphs and disappointments, laughter and sorrow. He was a mentor and friend to all of us, and we will miss him more than words can express.

"As our family grieves, we will try to find comfort knowing that through our work we can honor Commissioner Long’s legacy of serving the people of our state that he so loved. Our hearts and prayers for peace and strength are with Peg and the rest of Commissioner Long’s family.”

— Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin

“Jim Long was a giant of a person, a tremendous public servant and a close personal friend. He was serious when it came to helping the public, and at the same time, he had an infectious sense of humor and personality. His red tie was legendary and so was his commitment to North Carolina. North Carolina has lost a great leader.”

— Gov. Beverly Perdue

“North Carolina has lost a dedicated public servant, a fine leader and a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peg and his family during this difficult time. North Carolinians will never forget Commissioner Long’s 24 years of service at the Department of Insurance, his warm humor or his signature red ties, but most importantly they will never forget his love of the people.”

— Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton

“Jim Long was a fighter for consumers. He committed his life to serving the people of North Carolina, and our state is a better place because of his service.”

— Attorney General Roy Cooper

“Commissioner Long was one of the most dedicated public servants in the history of our state, and I am honored to have worked with him. During his years in office, he managed the difficult task of keeping our insurance rates among the lowest in the nation while also helping to keep our insurance industry one of the strongest. We also shared a connection to Alamance County, his home and my occasional workplace while I was an assistant district attorney. I will miss his humor, and we will all miss his service.”

— Rep. Joe Hackney, Speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives

“(The) news that Jim Long passed away was very saddening to our family. I had the opportunity to work with Jim on several occasions and was always delighted when our paths crossed. His service to the state of North Carolina as the Insurance Commissioner was exemplary, and the whole state has benefited from his work. Brooke and I extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his wife, Peg, and the rest of Jim’s family.”

— U.S. Sen. Richard Burr

"I am extremely saddened to learn that Jim Long passed away so soon into his well deserved retirement after 24 outstanding years as North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner. Jim would often come to my (North Carolina Senate) office with his trademark red tie and lively sense of humor to tackle difficult issues here in North Carolina. He was a pleasure to work with, and his presence in the state will be sorely missed. This is truly a devastating blow to North Carolina. My thoughts go out to his wife, Peg O’Connell, and the rest of his family at this difficult time.”

— U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Long. I have been privileged both to work with Jim and to know him as a friend. Jim dedicated his life to serving North Carolina and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

— Second District Congressman Bob Etheridge

"The passing of former Commissioner Jim Long is a sad day. It is particularly sad that a person, still young and just beginning retirement was taken. It is also a sad day for North Carolina. Commissioner Long continued a long family tradition of public service and always had the best interests of North Carolina in whatever he did.

"While we were often on different sides of issues, he was always cordial, professional, knowledgeable and demanding, and we especially appreciated the vigor with which he represented the consumer. He worked hard. You always knew where he stood, and he never backed away from a good fight when he thought he was right.

"We will miss him. The prayers and sympathies of the entire insurance industry go to Peg and his family."

— North Carolina Rate Bureau General Manager Ray Evans

"For 24 years as insurance commissioner and as a legislator before that, Jim Long represented the people of North Carolina with commitment and dedication. All North Carolinians reaped the benefit of his hard work and his pursuit of fairness. Our state is a better place because of his public service.

"Leigh and I, on behalf of all North Carolina Democrats, offer our sympathies to Peg and every member of the Long family."

— North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman David Young

"The North Carolina Federation of College Democrats is profoundly saddened by the passing of former North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Jim Long. Commissioner Long's steadfast work over the course of six terms in office to maintain low insurance rates in North Carolina has been a blessing to countless families who needed a helping hand. His service on the Council of State and in the North Carolina General Assembly provides a model for all who wish to serve the public in an honorable and effective fashion.

"Commissioner Long will be deeply missed by the state he worked so hard and so fruitfully to improve. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Peg, and his family at this difficult time.

— North Carolina College Democrats spokesman Andrew Bates

"Jim Long was a founding board member of N.C. Prevention Partners and served on NCPP's Board of Directors for the past 10 years. He was one of the earliest elected officials in the state to publicly promote the importance of strengthening laws to prevent tobacco addiction and reduce obesity. Jim's early and persistent leadership in preventing illness was instrumental in N.C. health insurers covering preventive benefits a decade before most other states. As a result, N.C. is a lead state in covering tobacco cessation, obesity and other preventive services.

"Jim's leadership, great sense of humor, belief in good government, and his incredible ability to connect with everyone he met were a rare combination. His personal passion for doing the right thing has left so many powerful legacies that will continue to improve the lives of all North Carolinians. We send our love to Peg, Jim's family, and his many dear friends."

— N.C. Prevention Partners President and Chief Executive Meg Molloy