Former North Carolina Commissioner Long Dies

Former North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, who retired last month after serving 24 years as state regulator, died Monday, 12 days after suffering a stroke.

Long, 68, was one of the longest-serving elected officials in state history. Before being elected insurance commissioner in 1985, he was a state representative from 1971 to 1975.

Long’s wife, Peg O’Connell, issued a statement through the hospital thanking all who expressed concern for her husband since he fell ill. “It is with heavy hearts that our family witnessed Jim’s passing. Jim loved this great state and its gracious people. He was honored to serve them,” O’Connell said.

“He was serious when it came to helping the public and at the same time he had an infectious sense of humor and personality,” Gov. Bev Perdue said in a statement. “His red tie was legendary and so was his commitment to North Carolina. North Carolina has lost a great leader.”

In December, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners bestowed its first President’s Award for Distinguished NAIC Member Leadership to Long. The award honors an NAIC member who has shown exemplary leadership; served a sustained length of service; and has significantly contributed to advancing the mission of the NAIC.