Interested in Jimmy Carter Biography? James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr., born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
His presidency is often remembered for its focus on human rights, environmental policies, and efforts to foster peace around the world. Before his political career, Carter was a peanut farmer and a U.S. Navy lieutenant.
Table of Content
Presidential Campaign and Administration
Was Jimmy Carter a Good President?
Jimmy Carter CEO of Which Company?
When did Jimmy Carter pass away?
Memorial Service and State Funeral of Jimmy Carter
Why was Michelle Obama absent from Jimmy Carter’s funeral?
Jimmy Carter Biography
James Earl Carter Jr. (October 1, 1924 – December 29, 2024) was an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party, he distinguished himself as the longest-lived U.S. president and the first to reach 100 years of age.
Born in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and joined the U.S. Navy’s submarine service. After returning home, he revived his family’s peanut business and entered Georgia politics, supporting the civil rights movement as a state senator and later as governor. He won the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination and defeated incumbent Gerald Ford in the election.
Significant events, including the pardon of Vietnam War draft evaders, the Camp David Accords, and the establishment of the Departments of Energy and Education, marked Carter’s presidency. However, his term ended amid crises, including the Iran hostage situation and an energy crisis, leading to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Post-presidency, Carter founded the Carter Center to promote human rights and alleviate suffering globally. His humanitarian efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Despite mixed evaluations of his presidency, his post-presidency work has been widely praised.
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Early Life
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, at the Wise Sanitarium, where his mother worked as a registered nurse, making him the first American president born in a hospital.
He was the eldest child of Bessie Lillian Gordy and James Earl Carter Sr., and he descended from English immigrant Thomas Carter, who settled in Virginia in 1635. The Carter family had deep roots in Georgia, with generations working as cotton farmers. At the time of Carter’s birth, Plains was a small boomtown with a population of around 600.
His father was a successful businessman who operated a general store and invested in farmland, having previously served as a reserve second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I.
During Carter’s early years, the family moved several times before settling on a dirt road in Archery, a community primarily inhabited by impoverished African American families. Eventually, the Carters had three more children: Gloria, Ruth, and Billy. Carter enjoyed a close relationship with his parents despite his mother’s long working hours.
While his father held strong pro-segregation views, he permitted Jimmy to befriend the children of the black farmhands. As a teenager, Carter demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by managing an acre of his father’s farmland, where he grew, packaged, and sold peanuts, and he also rented out a section of tenant housing he had purchased.
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Education and Naval Career
Carter attended Plains High School from 1937 to 1941, graduating as valedictorian of the 11th grade, as the school did not offer a 12th grade. By this time, both Archery and Plains had been significantly impacted by the Great Depression, but the Carter family benefited from New Deal farming subsidies, with Carter’s father taking on a leadership role in the community.
Known for his diligence and love of reading, Carter’s academic journey included a popular anecdote where he was reportedly passed over for valedictorian after he and his friends skipped school for a joyride in a hot rod.
His truancy was noted in a local newspaper, though it remains unclear if he would have been valedictorian otherwise. In high school, Carter also played on the basketball team and joined the Future Farmers of America, sparking a lifelong interest in woodworking.
Carter had always aspired to attend the United States Naval Academy. In 1941, he began studying engineering at Georgia Southwestern College in nearby Americus, Georgia. The following year, he transferred to the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, where he participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps under the guidance of civil rights leader Blake Van Leer.
Encouraged by Van Leer, Carter received an appointment to the Naval Academy from U.S. Representative Stephen Pace in 1943. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1946, ranking 60th out of 821 midshipmen in his class.
While at the academy, Carter was known to be a good student but was perceived as reserved, in contrast to the aggressive hazing culture of the institution. He also fell in love with Rosalynn Smith, a friend of his sister Ruth, and they married shortly after his graduation.
Carter was a sprint football player for the Navy Midshipmen and excelled as a freshman cross-country runner. He was commissioned as an ensign upon graduation.
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Personal Life
Carter had three younger siblings, all of whom tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer: Gloria Spann (1926–1990), Ruth Stapleton (1929–1983), and Billy Carter (1937–1988). He was also a first cousin of politician Hugh Carter and a distant relative of the musical Carter family.
Carter married Rosalynn Smith on July 7, 1946, in the Plains Methodist Church, which was part of Rosalynn’s family heritage. Together, they had three sons: John “Jack,” James III “Chip,” and Donnel “Jeff,” along with a daughter, Amy.
The couple enjoyed a large family that included nine grandsons (one of whom is deceased), three granddaughters, five great-grandsons, and eight great-granddaughters.
Notably, Mary Prince, an African American woman who was wrongfully convicted of murder and later pardoned, served as their daughter Amy’s nanny for most of the time from 1971 until the end of Carter’s presidency. Carter even requested to be designated as her parole officer, which allowed her to work in the White House.
The Carters celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on July 7, 2023. On October 19, 2019, they became the longest-married presidential couple, surpassing George and Barbara Bush with a record of 26,765 days. Following Rosalynn’s passing on November 19, 2023, Carter expressed his deep appreciation, stating:
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Their eldest son, Jack Carter, was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Nevada in 2006 but lost to Republican incumbent John Ensign. Jack’s son, Jason Carter, served as a former Georgia state senator and was the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia in 2014, losing to Republican incumbent Nathan Deal.
On December 20, 2015, while teaching a Sunday school class, Carter announced the passing of his 28-year-old grandson, Jeremy Carter, due to unspecified causes.
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How Old is Jimmy Carter?
As of January 2025, Jimmy Carter is 100 years old, having celebrated his centennial birthday on October 1, 2024.
Jimmy Carter Wife?
Jimmy Carter married Rosalynn Smith on July 7, 1946. Rosalynn Carter has been a significant partner in his life, actively participating in his political career and humanitarian efforts. The couple has been married for over 78 years.
Political Career
Carter’s political journey began in the Georgia State Senate, where he advocated for civil rights. He ran for governor in 1966 and lost but returned to win the governorship in 1970. As governor, he implemented significant reforms, focusing on education and civil rights.
Presidential Campaign and Administration
Carter announced his presidential campaign in 1974, gaining momentum as an outsider in the wake of the Watergate scandal. He won the Democratic nomination and defeated Ford in the 1976 election. His presidency focused on human rights, energy conservation, and international diplomacy, notably the Camp David Accords.
Post-Presidency
After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian work through the Carter Center. He became involved in various global issues, including election monitoring and disease eradication. His writings and teachings continued to influence public discourse.
Was Jimmy Carter a Good President?
Opinions on Jimmy Carter’s presidency vary. He is praised for his dedication to human rights, the Camp David Accords, and energy policies. However, he faced criticism for economic difficulties, including high inflation and unemployment, and the handling of the Iran hostage crisis.
Jimmy Carter CEO of Which Company?
Before his presidency, Jimmy Carter managed his family-owned peanut business. Although he wasn’t a CEO in the traditional sense, he was deeply involved in the operations and management of the Carter family’s agricultural business.
Jimmy Carter Health
On August 3, 2015, Jimmy Carter underwent elective surgery to remove a small mass on his liver, with an initially excellent prognosis for a full recovery. However, on August 12, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer that had metastasized, though the origin of the cancer was not specified.
On August 20, Carter disclosed that melanoma had been detected in his brain and liver, and he began treatment with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, alongside radiation therapy. His treatment was overseen by Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.
Carter’s family had a significant history of cancer, affecting both his parents and all three siblings. By December 5, Carter announced that his medical scans no longer showed any signs of cancer.
On May 13, 2019, Carter broke his hip in a fall at his home in Plains and underwent surgery the same day at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Later that year, on October 6, he sustained an injury above his left eyebrow in another fall, which required 14 stitches and left him with a black eye.
On October 21, Carter was hospitalized again after suffering a minor pelvic fracture from his third fall of the year. Remarkably, he returned to teaching Sunday school by November 3.
On November 11, 2019, Carter was admitted to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain caused by bleeding linked to his falls. He was discharged from the hospital on November 27.
Shortly thereafter, on December 2, Carter was readmitted due to a urinary tract infection and was released on December 4.
On February 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that following a series of short hospital stays, Carter had chosen to spend his remaining time at home in Plains with his family, receiving hospice care instead of pursuing further medical interventions for an unspecified illness.
When did Jimmy Carter pass away?
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, after nearly two years in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. His death marked him as the longest-lived U.S. president in history and the first to reach the age of 100.
Following his passing, condolences were expressed by leaders globally, highlighting Carter’s significant contributions as a statesman and humanitarian. A detailed funeral schedule was established, which included a period where Carter lay in state at the U.S. Capitol. President Joe Biden declared January 9, 2025, a national day of mourning in honor of Carter, coinciding with the day of his funeral service.
The state funeral was organized by the Joint Task Force National Capital Region and the U.S. Department of Defense, with a mourning period extending from December 29, 2024, to January 29, 2025. Carter was buried at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter House, reflecting his deep connection to his hometown and family.
Memorial Service and State Funeral of Jimmy Carter
Stage One: Carter Presidential Center
On January 4, 2025, Jimmy Carter’s remains were transported by motorcade from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, to Atlanta.
The journey included stops at significant locations, starting with the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, where a tribute was held at the home he built with his wife, Rosalynn, in 1962.
The motorcade then continued to his boyhood home in Archery, where the National Park Service honored him with a salute and the ringing of the farm’s bell 39 times, recognizing him as the 39th U.S. President.
In Atlanta, Carter’s service as governor of Georgia was commemorated at the Georgia State Capitol, featuring a salute from the Georgia State Patrol and a moment of silence led by state officials.
His remains were then taken to the Carter Center, where military pallbearers received the casket in a ceremony that included performances by the Morehouse College Glee Club and remarks from his son Chip and grandson Jason. He lay in repose at the Carter Center from January 4 to 7.
Stage Two: Washington
On January 7, Carter’s remains were moved from the Carter Center to Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta and then flown to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland aboard a U.S. Air Force VC-25. Upon arrival, a 21-gun salute was performed.
The casket was then transported by motorcade to the United States Navy Memorial, where it was placed on a horse-drawn caisson for a funeral procession to the U.S. Capitol, retracing part of Carter’s inaugural parade route.
At the Capitol, another 21-gun salute was given, and the flag-draped casket was carried into the Capitol rotunda by the honor guard. Inside, the U.S. Army Brass Quintet performed, and a service attended by numerous dignitaries, including Vice President Kamala Harris and members of Congress, was held in Carter’s honor.
The ceremony featured an invocation by the Senate Chaplain, eulogies from various leaders, and musical tributes, including performances by the Naval Academy Glee Club. Carter lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda from January 7 to 9.
Stage Three: Services in Plains, Georgia
After the Washington funeral, Carter’s remains were transported back to Georgia via a military flight to Lawson Army Airfield at Fort Moore. A motorcade then took them to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains for a private service attended by family and close friends.
The service included military honors, a flyover in “missing man” formation, and performances by the 282 Army Band. Pastor Ashley Guthas opened the service, which was led by Tony Lowden.
Following the service, Carter’s remains were taken for a final procession through Plains to his home for burial at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. After the interment, the U.S. Secret Service concluded its protective mission of Carter.
This solemn series of events honored Carter’s legacy and contributions to the nation, reflecting the deep respect he garnered throughout his life.
Dignitaries at Jimmy Carter Funeral
Carter Family
- John William “Jack” Carter – Son of Jimmy Carter
- Jason Carter – Grandson of Jimmy Carter
- Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter – Son of Jimmy Carter
- James Earl “Chip” Carter III – Son of Jimmy Carter
- Amy Carter – Daughter of Jimmy Carter
United States Dignitaries
- Joe and Jill Biden – President and First Lady of the United States
- Hunter Biden – Son of Joe Biden
- Donald and Melania Trump – President-elect and former President, former and incoming First Lady
- Barack Obama – Former President of the United States
- George W. and Laura Bush – Former President and First Lady
- Bill and Hillary Clinton – Former President and First Lady
- Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff – Vice President and Second Gentleman
- JD and Usha Vance – Senator from Ohio and Vice President-elect
- Mike and Karen Pence – Former Vice President and Second Lady
- Al Gore – Former Vice President
- Dan and Marilyn Quayle – Former Vice President and Second Lady
- John Kerry – Former Secretary of State
- Jeff Zients – Chief of Staff to President Biden
- John Podesta – Climate Advisor to President Biden
- Tom Perez – Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Stuart E. Eizenstat – Chief Domestic Policy Adviser during Carter’s presidency
- John Thune – Senate Majority Leader
- Mike Johnson – Speaker of the House
- Chuck Schumer – Senate Minority Leader
- Hakeem Jeffries – House Minority Leader
- John Roberts – Chief Justice of the United States
- Samuel Alito – Supreme Court Justice
- Sonia Sotomayor – Supreme Court Justice
- Elena Kagan – Supreme Court Justice
- Amy Coney Barrett – Supreme Court Justice
- Brett Kavanaugh – Supreme Court Justice
- Ketanji Brown Jackson – Supreme Court Justice
- Raphael Warnock – Senator from Georgia
- Jon Ossoff – Senator from Georgia
- Andrew Young – Former U.N. Ambassador for Carter
Foreign Dignitaries
- Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada
- Juan Manuel Santos – Former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize recipient
- Yoshihide Suga – Former Prime Minister of Japan
- Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa – President of Portugal
- Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh – Representing King Charles III of the United Kingdom
- Gordon Brown – Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- Antonio Guterres – Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau – Princess of the Netherlands
Why was Michelle Obama absent from Jimmy Carter’s funeral?
Michelle Obama did not attend President Carter’s National Funeral Service, as confirmed by her spokesperson, Crystal Carson. The former First Lady’s office issued a statement expressing her condolences:
“Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”
While her office did not specify her whereabouts, CNN reported that she remained in Hawaii due to a scheduling conflict, where she had been on an extended vacation.
FAQ
Which president lived the longest?
Jimmy Carter holds the record as the longest-living former U.S. president.
What is President Jimmy Carter known for?
Carter is known for his commitment to human rights, the Camp David Accords, energy conservation efforts, and his extensive humanitarian work after leaving office through The Carter Center.
Who lost to Jimmy Carter for president?
Jimmy Carter won the 1976 presidential election, defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford.
What is Carter remembered for?
Carter is remembered for his post-presidency humanitarian work, particularly through The Carter Center, his efforts in disease eradication, conflict resolution, and promotion of democracy and human rights.
