Honoring the Life and Legacy of J.H. Langdon, Jr.
May 16, 2026
| Friends, North Carolina’s farmers lost a devoted friend and servant last month with the passing of State Representative James Hector “J.H.” Langdon, Jr. of Johnston County at the age of 88. Langdon’s lifelong commitment to agriculture was woven into everything he did. After graduating from NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Langdon returned home to Johnston County and spent more than thirty years as an agriculture teacher at South Johnston High School. There, he shaped the lives and careers of generations of young people who went on to work the land and sustain rural communities across the state. NC State CALS recognized Langdon’s contributions in 2005 with its Outstanding Alumni Award in Agricultural Education. Through his commitment to his community, public service came naturally to Langdon. He served eight years on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, including six as Chairman, before being elected to the NC House of Representatives, where Langdon served for 12 years and chaired both the Agriculture and Education Committees. Those who worked alongside Langdon in the General Assembly knew him as a steady and principled voice for our state’s farmers and rural communities. He was also known for something more personal, the handcrafted wooden pens he often gave to others. These were small but telling gestures from a man who gave generously of himself throughout his life. The NC Ag Partnership extends our deepest condolences to Langdon’s daughter Amy, his extended family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Lena Barbour Langdon, who passed away in April 2021. North Carolina’s farms and rural communities are better off for the decades J.H. Langdon, Jr. devoted to serving them. |