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,

North Carolina state Rep. Joe John, a longtime Raleigh lawmaker and former judge, died on Wednesday. John had only just resigned his District 40 House seat in the General Assembly days earlier, as he announced Sunday that his throat cancer was terminal and he was focused on spending time with his family. He was 85.

Rep. Joe John, who served as a North Carolina state lawmaker after years in the judiciary, died Wednesday, his family said. He was 85. John, a Democrat from Wake County, resigned days prior from the House.

Rep. Joe John, who represented northwestern Wake County, shared news of his resignation in a letter posted to his Facebook page.

North Carolina State Rep. Joe John resigns due to a terminal cancer diagnosis, ending his tenure marked by a dedication to justice and public service.

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (AP) - Joe John, a former North Carolina appeals court judge, state crime lab director and state House member, has died at age 85. John’s family made the announcement Wednesday. The Wake County Democrat revealed a throat cancer diagnosis in December.

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.