Wake County state representative Jim Fulghum who was undergoing treatment for cancer has died. House Speaker Thom Tillis confirmed Fulghum's passing in a statement on the speaker's website.
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of Rep. Jim Fulghum this weekend," Tillis' statement reads. "The residents of Wake County were lucky to have Dr. Fulghum representing them - his leadership as a legislator was second only to his passion and expertise as a doctor serving his constituents and the state of North Carolina. He was a friend who will be missed by me and our entire chamber and my deepest sympathies go to his family and friends during this very difficult time."
Fulghum's current House term was his first in the General Assembly after being elected to office in 2012. He was a retired neurosurgeon.
This year he went on the campaign trail to win the Senate seat being vacated by Wake County senator Neal Hunt. Fulghum's health forced him to abandon that campaign. Last Friday, the Wake County Republican Party announced that John Alexander would replace Fulghum in that race.
Fulghum was a U.S. Army veteran having served from 1971 to 1991.
No information has been released yet on funeral arrangements.
