"No one had a stronger passion for agriculture in our state than Commissioner Graham. He just had a great respect and love forour rural communities and the folks who produce our food and fiber."
-- State Sen. Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin, chairman of the Senate agriculture committee
"During Jim Graham's 36 years as state agriculture commissioner, he witnessed vast changes in our state's agriculture industry, but one thing never changed: his devotion to North Carolina's farmers and his tireless efforts to promote North Carolina's crops. He was the consummate public servant, a true statesman, and friend to everyone."
-- U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.
"We have lost one of our most dedicated public servants who will always be valued for his compassion and hard work. The Commissioner will forever be remembered and respected as a champion of agriculture with a burning desire to make life better for all people of North Carolina. He was my friend and a tough but gentle man."
-- Gov. Mike Easley.
"Jim was an advocate for farmers and never missed an opportunity to remind people how many hogs, turkeys or sweet potatoes our state produces. North Carolina has lost a wonderfulstate servant. He will be missed, but will live in my heart forever."
-- Former Gov. Jim Hunt, who worked with Graham during his 16 years as governor.
"When Commissioner Graham gave his word, the farmer could take it to the bank."
-- North Carolina Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten
"He always said he loved his job. But far beyond that, he loved people, and it showed in all that he did."
-- State Auditor Ralph Campbell.
"His hard work and lifelong commitment to making our state a better place to live made him a model for public service in North Carolina and the nation."
-- U.S. Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.
"In recent months as his health worsened, I realized how he would be missed when the inevitable happened. I miss Jim already, as will countless others."
-- Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C.
"Today, North Carolina lost a giant among men and a giant among farmers, and I have lost a dear friend."
-- U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, D-N.C., a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
"North Carolina has lost one of our foremost public servants today. We will all sorely miss his wit, wisdom and commitment to a better North Carolina."
-- U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N.C.
"Commissioner Graham's death is a great loss to North Carolina. It truly marks the end of an era. He made remarkable contributionsto agriculture in our state and was the farmer's friend to the very end."
-- Meg Scott Phipps, Graham's successor as commissioner, who resigned this year in the wake of a campaign finance scandal.
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