Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Long Obituary
James E. Long, former longtime State Insurance Commissioner for North Carolina, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2009 with his family by his side. James Eugene Long was born on March 19, 1940, in Burlington, N.C., to Helen Brooks and George Attmore Long. Long came from a politically active family in Alamance County. Like his father and grandfather, he served in the state House of Representatives. He also served as legal counsel to the Speaker of the House and Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Insurance. In 1984, he was elected insurance commissioner, and he served six terms in that office until his retirement last month.
During a Democratic rally in 1946, his father walked in late and was recognized by Gov. Melville Broughton, who pointed out his red tie. Afterward, his father never wore anything but solid red ties until his death in 1999. Like his father, Long always wore a red tie and will be remembered as such.
Long graduated from Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington in 1958. He attended N.C. State University from 1958 to 1962. He then transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill, where he earned a bachelor of arts. He earned a law degree from UNC's law school in 1966. After graduation, he worked as an attorney. From 1971 to 1973, he served as a member of the state House of Representatives, representing Alamance County. He served again 1975 to 1976. He is the longest serving insurance commissioner in North Carolina history and the longest currently serving member of the Council of State. In 2008, he announced he would retire at the end of his term, passing the torch to assistant Wayne Goodwin, who won the November election.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary Margaret "Peg" O'Connell; his son, James E. Long Jr. and wife Stephanie; his daughter, Rebecca A. Long, PHD and husband Greg Hess; five grandchildren, Steven A. Long, Morgan B. Long, Kristina R. McNeal, Matthew C. McNeal and Hannah E. Englehart; two sisters, Betty Adams and husband Howard of Burlington, N.C., and Julia Long Tighe, also of Burlington, N.C.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday February 4, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wynne Center, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27605. Public Services will be held on Thursday February 5, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1800 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, N.C. 27608. On Friday, February 6, 2009 a funeral service will be held in his home town of Burlington at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter with the Rev. David R. Williams officiating at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the church. Burial will follow at the Pine Hill City Cemetery in Burlington, N.C.
Memorial Donations can be made in Mr. Long's honor to the N.C. Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 150 Raleigh, N.C. 27607 or to the N.C. Prevention Partners, 88 VilCom Circ., Suite 110, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514.
Online condolences and tributes can be made at www. Brown-Wynne.com.
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27605, is serving the Long family. (919)828-4311
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Long
Antonio
February 15, 2009
Dear family of J.E.Long I am so sorry for your lost let me share a scripture with you at James four,eight were it says Draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
Lynn Black
February 15, 2009
Peg I am saddened to hear of the loss of your James Please find comfort in the words at Revelation 21:4 he will wipe out every tear from thier eyes and Death will be no more neither will mourning nor outcry be anymore.My deepest aympathy for youe loss.
Jasmine
February 15, 2009
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, James. A prayer is needed at this time...but so is a scripture, here at Rev.21:4:"He will wipe every tear from their eyes...and death will be no more, neither will mourning,nor outcry,nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away". RESURRECTION is on the way for your dear husband!
Linda Pittman
February 12, 2009
To The Long Family You are in my prays.
Kim Walker
February 7, 2009
To the Long Family,
Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel wearing a red neck tie looking over you. It was a priviledge working for Commissioner Long. The memory of him will always make me smile.
God Bless.
Andromeda Monroe
February 5, 2009
Peg.
I am very sorry to hear about Jim's death. I remember when the two of you first met. I am not sure if you remember me, but I was a regulator with the Ohio Insurance Department (Deputy Director) when you were with Nationwide. We were two women forging the path for women in the insurance industry. You were one of the few women in insurance government relations and I was one of the few female and minority regulators. I recall when you married Jim and have always been proud or his and your accomplishments.
Scott Depee
February 5, 2009
James, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Elsie Shanks Rogers and family
February 5, 2009
Hi Peg and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at the Democratic Women's Meetings in Alamance County.
At the Three Governor's Dinner, Jim introduced Beth Wood who was our Keynote Speaker.
Jim had on his favorite red neck tie and sat next to me. It was an honor to have known Jim.
Peg, I send my deepest condolences to you and your family and look forward to speaking with you.
Laura Mora
February 4, 2009
I had the pleasure to have met Mr. Long and his Staff briefly, I enjoyed his professionalism, his concern and desire to help the less fortunate. I also appreciated his sense of humor.
My deepest condolences.
James P. Corcoran
February 4, 2009
Dear Peg and family,
I had the privilege of serving with Jim as a fellow Insurance Commissioner for approximately seven years. There was no doubt of his commitment to public service and effectiveness. I appreciated his good humor and friendship. He will be missed.
New River Volunteer Fire and Rescue
February 4, 2009
Our prayers and sympathy are extended to Peg and family. There is a great loss and saddness amoung all of us. Jim was a friend to all and will be missed by many. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
Sally & Don Walter
February 4, 2009
Peg: We send our deepest sympathy and loving thoughts.
February 4, 2009
Dear Peg and family,
We are deeply saddened at the loss of Jim. We have know him since the 1970's and know what a caring person he was, not only in his personal life, but, in his professional life as well. We have lost a friend and N. C. has lost a devoted public servant who was a joy to be around. We are remembering you in our thoughts and prayers. May God's blessings be with each of you.
Ira and Anne Mauney-Bolick, Asheboro, NC
Pactolus Vol. Fire Dept.
February 4, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of loss. Jim was a wonderful man and did some great things for us during his time in office. He will definately be missed.
Marvin Walters
February 4, 2009
Jim Long was one of the few public servants that truly "served the public". He will be missed.
Frank Clontz
February 4, 2009
May God be with and comfort Jim's family and friends at this their time of loss. Jim was a good helper to the people of North Carolina during his terms as Insurance Commissioner and a friend to many over his lifetime.
Brooks Gardner
February 4, 2009
I first met Jim when I became a member of the staff of the Clerk of Superior Court in Alamance County. Immediately, he was my friend. Over the years, I worked in his campaigns for the State House and for Insurance Commissioner. We enjoyed each others company and I helped teach my oldest son read by using Jim's yard signs as flash cards. Our careers took us in different directions. He became Insurance Commissioner and I became Mayor of Mebane. He helped the League of Municipalities find affordable insurance coverage for the member employees. As the older folks might say, Jim was "Johnny-on-the-spot" to help those in need.
I will truly miss my friend and North Carolina's hero, Jim Long. I am blessed to have known Jim Long over these 40+ years.
Lori Britt
February 3, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Jim during my time at IIANC and he always made me feel like "one of the boys!" He knew what was important in life and even though ours was a business relationship he sent wishes my way on the birth of my first child. He was a truly remarkable individual who will be missed by many.
Fred Handsel
February 3, 2009
Jim was a wonderful man,he loved his family and North Carolina. The Red Tie, and the thousands of red tie pens that he gave out since 1985. I had the honor of working with his initial campgain for Comissioner, we put alot of miles on the road together for the betterment of North Carolina. Jim made NC a better place to live.........
Sue Marsh
February 3, 2009
My sympathy is with Mrs. Long and family. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Long at West Jefferson Senior Center. He did a lot for the state and county.
Meredith Brooks
February 3, 2009
Peg, I got know Jim when I worked for the Ga. Ins. Dept. and several times he kept me from embarrassing myself in front of lots of folks. His sense of humor and timing was impeccable and his kindness unforgettable. His service to NC was indefatigable. He will be greatly missed.
T. Jerry Williams
February 3, 2009
To Peg and the family, I send my deepest sympathy and share your sadness during this time of loss and grief. I met Jim when he came to Raleigh as a legislator and have considered him a friend ever since. Like many of his friends I could write pages about him but I will be brief and just say I have lost a friend; one that I admired greatly and loved to "cut up with." I last saw Jim when Jim Graham was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame and I now treasure our time together then even more. I still have not accepted that Jim has left us but I also know that my fond memories of his wll never leave me. Please accept my deepenst sympathy.
Kay Bennett
February 3, 2009
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of "THE COMMISSIONER". His mischievous grin and infectious laugh brought joy to many. He was a delight to work for and I feel honored to have known him. North Carolina has lost an incredible leader and friend.
He will be missed!
Charlene Banks
February 3, 2009
Thank you for STANDING UP for the little people. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Banks Family
Skip and Mary Higgins
February 3, 2009
Peg, Skip and I were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great friend to not only his employees but also to all the citizens of North Carolina. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss his humor and friendship greatly.
Melody Nelson
February 3, 2009
Dear James,
Please accept my condolences for the loss you and your family are experiencing. As I sit here and read your father's obituary, it is easy to see how you came to have such strong ethics and the gift of touching people at so many different levels. Your Daddy must of been so proud of you.
Eve Erastus
February 3, 2009
My heart-felt condolences are with Jim Long's family.I met him only once and was helped by him in an insurance situation.He stood for honesty and integrity and I believe God's love and righteousness showed through him.Heaven sings at your arrival Mr.Long.God's love to the family.
Jeff Runge
February 3, 2009
In addition to everything else he did in serving the people of NC, I am most grateful for his leadership in injury prevention. Jim was a force for change among his peers, changing the attitudes of his fellow insurance commissioners about injury -- as a disease to be prevented, not accidents to be insured. Jim provided a home for the Safe Kids program in NC, inspiring his beloved firefighters to work to keep kids safer in every community. He was also a driving force in the Click It or Ticket campaign as it was born in NC. When I took CIOT nationwide from my position as the head of NHTSA, a reporter mistakenly attributed the invention of Click It or Ticket to me. The morning the story ran, I got an email from Jim saying, "Way to go Runge; you must have done that right after you invented the Internet." I will miss you, my friend, with your wit, intelligence and charm. May God receive you, Jim, and keep you in his eternal care. We have all been graced by your life and your good works.
Joe and Martha Kluttz and Chapman
February 3, 2009
Peg, Martha and I will miss Jim. He has been a friend of mine for much of his life. We offer our sympathy to you and the family. We hope that this does not mean we will not see you.
carol williams
February 3, 2009
james and stephanie and family,
please know that your family is in our prayers. your father served North Carolina well.
love,
carol nichols williams ( old SOLO buddy)
Bo and Michelle Walker
February 3, 2009
Peg, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and Jim over the years. I know you will miss him very much as will many others. Godspeed Jim.
Alan Korn
February 3, 2009
The entire Safe Kids family owes a great debt of gratitude to Commissioner Long. The success of our childhood injury program in North Carolina is due in large part to Commissioner Long's unwavering support and leadership. So many of us will miss him.
Alan Korn
Director of Public Policy
Safe Kids USA
David and Alice Walsh
February 3, 2009
Jim was a great friend and a dedicated public servant. It was an honor to work with him. He and Peg added joy to the lives of all they touched.
Glinda & Wayne Smith
February 3, 2009
Jim was such a wonderful servant to the State of North Carolina. I cherish the great memories I had when working with the department years ago. I once ask him why he always wore "the red tie" - his response was "because my daddy said so"! Little did I know he was carrying out a family tradition.
Our prayers go out to the Long family.
Glinda C. Smith
Paul & Cheryl Jones
February 3, 2009
To Peg and Jim's family,
Cheryl and I first met Jim in 1971. It was an instant and lasting friendship. I had the pleasure and honor to work for him for nine years. He was a champion for consumers and advocate for young and old when it came to safety and injury prevention programs. There's no way to truly measure what he did for the people of our state. He was a giant in public service. We are deeply sadden by your loss and that of the Long extended family. We will miss him.
PJ
Hut Wester
February 3, 2009
My sympathies to Peg and the Long Family. You can all be proud of the long time service Jim devoted to North Carolina. I was one of his first appointees to the NC Reinsurance Facility Bd of Govenors and have served there since 1987. We will all surely miss him.
Cletis and Janet Wooten
February 3, 2009
Peg,
You have our prayers, thoughts, and sympathy. As insurance agents we are thankful for all that Jim did and that we were privileged to call him our friend.
Ann Spragens
February 3, 2009
Dear Peg,
Losing Jim fills me with deepest sorrow. Those of us who worked with him, and for him, know it was a unique pleasure and opportunity to serve North Carolina.
I will keep Jim, you and his entire family in my prayers in the coming days.
Cletis and Janet Wooten
February 3, 2009
Peg,
You have our prayers, thoughts, and sympathy. As insurance agents we are thankful for all that Jim did and that we were priviledged to call him our friend.
Mike and Karen Wells
February 3, 2009
Dear Peg and Family,
We are so saddened by Jim's passing. He was a wonderful man and a great Commissioner! He will be truly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With our deepest sympathy and love.
June Milby
February 3, 2009
Peg and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss and for mine. Jim was a dear, dear friend for many years. He was always there in times of trouble and in times of joy and he always made me laugh. I will miss him terribly.
June
Larry Hawkins
February 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of a deep loss.
Larry Hawkins
Louisiana Department of Insurance
Penney De Pas
February 3, 2009
I met Commissioner Long in August 1986 soon after he took office and remember him explaining how the color of his tie became known as "Long Red". I had the honor of interacting with him in my years as executive director of both the NC Land Title Association and the Society of Financial Examiners. He was a strong advocate for insurance consumers, and his leadership will be sorely missed. My sympathy is extended to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Debbie Durham
February 3, 2009
I was so sorry to learn of Commissioner Long’s passing; however even in the sadness of the moment, it is difficult to think of the Commissioner without a smile. His wonderful sense of humor and his charm made everyone feel at ease around him and his gregarious nature won friends and admirers wherever he went. In the past, I had the pleasure and privilege to work for him and I always marveled at his ability to juggle many tasks with seriousness of purpose, focus, grace, and a smile. He was a great man and a really great guy, as well.
Rose Ann McLelland, Secretary of Senior Dems
February 3, 2009
The Alamance County Senior Democrats send their sympathy to Peg and the family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Roger and Donna Langley
February 3, 2009
We will surely miss Jim's smiling face and constant wit. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peg and the entire family. We and all of North Carolina have lost a good friend.
Linda Willey
February 3, 2009
I will miss him terribly. His friendship was a blessing in my life!
Patricia Love
February 3, 2009
I served with Jim in the House. He was a wonderful person and so full of life and humor; a really positive influence for the good in our state government..a sad time to leave us just as he was retiring..
Steven Gregory
February 3, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cheri B. Hayes
February 3, 2009
Dear James and Stephanie (and family)
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I think of you often. Know that my prayers are with you and your family.
Mark McMains
February 3, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tom Hall
February 3, 2009
It was such a pleasure to have know Jim and to have had him as our Insurance Commissioner,He will be missed in our lives but the memories will remain within us.
God Bless!
Thomas (Tom ) Hall
Material Damage Dept.
Erie Insurance Group
Raleigh Branch
Gene Hafer
February 3, 2009
Memories of Jim Long will be treasured by his many friends. His was a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and commitment to public service.
Teresa Allen
February 3, 2009
Mr. Long , thank you for all you did for the people of North Carolina. Once more we say good bye to someone who had so much influnce to be able to take care of us. RIP...
Bonnie Harris
February 3, 2009
Worked for the NC Department of Insurance for 23 years in the Office of State Fire Marshal. Commissioner Jim Long was a great man and will be missed by so many. He always put his employees first. My prayers go out to all his family.
Linda Basnight
February 3, 2009
Linda Basnight
Steve Jones
February 3, 2009
He was a great man and Friend and will certainly be missed.
Mac McPherson
February 3, 2009
To the Long Family. My thoughts are of a dear friend.
Sincerely
Rev. Joe Ballance
February 3, 2009
Another part of NC's history making people has gone to a better place. Our prayers are with his family for comfort from God.
May you rest in peace in Heaven, Brother Jim.
joe & ginny hollifield
February 3, 2009
thanks for being such a good worker for north carolina god bless
Showing 1 - 63 of 63 results
Make a Donation
in James Long's name
Memorial Events
for James Long
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Long's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
