Jimmy Carter, born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He was the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. His death came after a lengthy period in hospice care, which he entered in February 2023 following a series of hospital stays. Carter decided to forgo additional medical intervention to spend his remaining time at home with his family, a decision that highlighted his approach to end-of-life care.
Presidency and Achievements:
- Domestic Policy: Carter established the Department of Energy and the Department of Education, emphasizing energy conservation and education reform. His administration also dealt with the 1979 oil crisis.
- Foreign Policy: Carter’s most notable achievement was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. He also normalized diplomatic relations with China, completed the SALT II nuclear limitation treaty negotiations, and managed the contentious Panama Canal Treaties.
- Challenges: His term faced significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, which played a role in his defeat during the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.
Post-Presidency:
- The Carter Center: Founded in 1982, this non-profit organization focused on advancing human rights, alleviating human suffering, and promoting peace. Carter’s efforts in conflict mediation, election observation, and health initiatives, especially in eradicating diseases like Guinea worm, gained him international acclaim.
- Habitat for Humanity: Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were deeply involved with this organization, volunteering to build homes for the less fortunate, which became a symbol of his commitment to service.
- Nobel Peace Prize: In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of work in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights.
Personal Life:
- Carter was married to Rosalynn Smith Carter for 77 years until her death in November 2023. They had four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. His family was a significant part of his life and work, with several of his descendants continuing his legacy in various public service roles.
- He was known for his deep Christian faith, teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, which drew visitors from around the world.
Legacy:
- Carter’s legacy is marked by his integrity, his post-presidential work, and his dedication to humanitarian causes. Despite his presidency being viewed as a single term with mixed results, his later years significantly shaped his public perception, earning him respect across the political spectrum for his moral conviction and relentless pursuit of peace and justice.
His death marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of service, peace efforts, and a model of post-presidential life that few have matched. Carter’s longevity in both life and influence on global humanitarian efforts will be remembered as one of his most enduring contributions.
Former US President and Humanitarian Jimmy Carter, dies at 100.