NC Rep. Joe John, who served in state judicial, administrative and legislative roles, dies after battle with cancer

State Rep. Joe John, a Wake County Democrat who served the state for decades in a variety of judicial, administrative and legislative roles, has died.

John, who was 85, had announced his resignation from his House seat this week, saying that he needed to focus on his health and spend time with his family as he battled a terminal cancer diagnosis.

“Judge John was a dedicated statesman who selflessly committed decades of his life to serving the people of North Carolina, leaving an enduring legacy in public service," John's family said in a statement Wednesday. "His dedication to justice, fairness and improving the lives of others touched countless people, and his work will be remembered for generations to come.”

John was 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 crime lab before being elected to the legislature in 2016.

Jack Lewis, a former judge who served with John on the Court of Appeals, described John as "utterly dependable, capable, and highly regarded."

“He’s the only person I know who’s served in all three branches of government — executive, legislative and judicial," said Lewis, who served on the state Court of Appeals with John from 1989 to 2000.

"He was a man who listened," Lewis said. "He was a man you could rely on.”

John's resignation

John resigned Sunday after representing his northwestern Wake district for four terms and winning re-election last November.

"This decision, though incredibly difficult, is made with the intention of focusing on my health and spending cherished time with my family during this challenging period," John wrote in his reisgnation letter. ""The values I hold dear — integrity, hard work, family and a deep commitment to our community — will remain with me as I navigate this next phase of my life."

Details about a memorial service for John were not immediately available.

Wake County Democrats will choose John's replacement in the House.

"While his impact on the lives of North Carolinians will be lasting, his leadership will be sorely missed," Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement after John announced his resignation.