Former President Jimmy Carter Passed Away At 100

Former President Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who pledged to restore morality and truth to American politics following a period of White House scandal, and who redefined the role of a former president, passed away on December 29, at the age of 100.

The Carter Center announced that the 39th president died peacefully in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family.

 

The Biden administration has been informed of Carter’s passing, according to a White House official, and preparations for his state funeral are underway. Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 after a series of brief hospital stays. At the age of 98, he chose to spend his remaining time at home in Plains, Georgia, with his family, opting for hospice care rather than pursuing further medical interventions. This decision reflected Carter’s focus on comfort and quality of life in his final days. While specific medical conditions were not detailed, his advanced age and health challenges likely contributed to the choice. Surrounded by loved ones, Carter spent his final months in peace, continuing to inspire with his dignity and grace.

 

Jimmy Carter, born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, grew up in a rural town defined by its pecan groves, red clay roads, and close-knit community. As the eldest of Earl and Lillian Carter’s four children, Carter was deeply influenced by his father’s work ethic as a peanut farmer and businessman and his mother’s compassion as a nurse. These formative experiences instilled in him a lifelong commitment to fairness, humility, and service. Despite the racial and economic divides of the Great Depression-era South, Carter developed a respect for the Black workers on his family farm, shaping his progressive views on civil rights later in life.

Carter excelled academically, earning an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1943. Following his graduation, he served as a naval officer and married Rosalynn Smith, his lifelong partner and confidante. After his father’s death in 1953, Carter left his promising naval career to return to Plains, where he revitalized the family’s struggling peanut farm and became increasingly involved in local politics.

Carter’s entry into public service began with a seat on the Georgia State Senate in 1963, followed by his election as governor of Georgia in 1970. As governor, he prioritized civil rights, education, and governmental reform, earning a reputation as a progressive leader during a time of significant social change. In 1976, Carter launched a successful presidential campaign, positioning himself as a Washington outsider dedicated to restoring trust and integrity to government in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

Wikipedia, Dept of Defense

During his presidency from 1977 to 1981,Carter achieved significant milestones, including brokering the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, advancing energy policies, and championing human rights. However, his administration faced challenges such as soaring inflation, an energy crisis, and the Iran hostage crisis, which contributed to his defeat in the 1980 election.

After leaving office in 1981, Jimmy Carter redefined the post-presidency through tireless humanitarian efforts. In 1982, he co-founded The Carter Center, focusing on global health, democracy, and conflict resolution. The Center’s work included eradicating Guinea worm disease, monitoring elections worldwide, and advancing human rights. Carter became a prolific author, writing books on topics ranging from faith to public policy. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter’s post-presidential legacy is marked by compassion, service, and advocacy for justice, cementing his place as a global humanitarian icon.

Rest in Peace.