Family, friends and county leaders are honoring the life of Wake County Commissioner James West

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Family, friends and county leaders are honoring the life and legacy of Wake County Commissioner James West.

The 79-year-old public servant passed away more than week ago.

There was a public viewing Sunday at Haywood Funeral Home.

West peacefully protested segregation in Greensboro and went to jail alongside Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Last week, there was a resolution for West at the beginning of the council meeting.

West was also a key figure in the county's Live Well Wake initiative and staunch advocate for affordable housing opportunities.

He served for 13 years as a county commissioner and 11 years on the Raleigh City Council.