JOE JOHN, A FORMER NC JUDGE, PASSES AWAY AT 85

Joe John, who had an illustrious career as a state appeals court judge and the former director of the state crime laboratory, has died at the age of 85, according to an announcement made by his family on Wednesday. Until recently, John was serving as a member of the North Carolina state House, having been re-elected to a fifth term in November.

In December, John disclosed that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Over the past weekend, he tendered his resignation from the state House, indicating that he had received a terminal diagnosis. He mentioned the need to prioritize his health and spend cherished moments with his family. This resignation became effective on Tuesday, as noted by the General Assembly’s official records.

His family shared the somber news via social media, stating that he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.” They described him as a steadfast public servant who dedicated countless years of his life to the people of North Carolina, leaving behind a significant legacy in public service.

Originally from Indiana, John obtained several degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including a law degree in 1971. He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Guilford County and progressed to serve as a District Court judge and later, a Superior Court judge. In 1992, he was appointed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, where he served until 2000.

In 2010, John was named the interim director of what was then known as the State Bureau of Investigation’s crime laboratory by then-Attorney General Roy Cooper. He became the permanent director the following year, contributing significantly to the lab’s operations for several years.

John made his foray into the state House in 2016, successfully unseating a Republican incumbent. During his tenure, he dedicated his efforts to judicial and law enforcement matters.

Governor Josh Stein, who previously served as attorney general, reminisced on social media about his personal connection to John, noting that his wife, Anna, had clerked for him while he was on the Court of Appeals. “As a judge, he was thoughtful and just,” Stein remarked. He commended John’s tenure as Director of the State Crime Lab, stating he elevated its standards to better enable scientific success. “Judge John was kind and good,” Stein concluded in his tribute.

House Minority Leader Robert Reives, a Democrat from Chatham County, expressed his sorrow, calling John “one of the best men I’ve known — a strong leader, outstanding public servant, and a great friend.”

The family has indicated that further details regarding memorial services will be shared in the near future. Meanwhile, Wake County Democrats will convene to select a successor for John to complete his two-year term, which runs until the end of 2026.