Carter graduates from the Naval Academy. His mother and future wife are shown here pinning on his ensign bars. June 5, 1946. Photo Credit: National Archives
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His life was marked by dedicated public service, from his early years in the U.S. Navy to his tenure as Commander-in-Chief and his extensive humanitarian efforts post-presidency.
Early Life and Naval Career
James Earl Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in the small town of Plains, Georgia. Carter was the first US President born in a hospital. He grew up in nearby Archery, where his family ran a farm. This humble upbringing taught Carter the value of hard work and responsibility, shaping the character that would guide him throughout his life. As a young boy, he was a bright student with a love for reading. At Plains High School, Carter excelled academically, participated in extracurricular activities, and played basketball. After graduating in 1941, he set his sights on joining the United States Naval Academy.
To prepare for this ambitious goal, Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College and later transferred to the Georgia Institute of Technology. His hard work paid off when he received an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1943. Carter graduated from the academy in 1946, ranking 60th out of 821 midshipmen, and chose to serve in the Navy’s submarine program.
His naval career was both impressive and groundbreaking. He served aboard various submarines, including the USS Pomfret and USS K-1, where he held the positions of electronics officer and executive officer. In 1952, he joined the Navy’s pioneering nuclear submarine program under Admiral Hyman Rickover. Carter contributed to the design and development of nuclear propulsion systems for naval vessels, showcasing his technical expertise. Over the course of his short service, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.
Carter left the Navy in 1953 after his father passed away, choosing to return home and manage the family peanut farm. His time in the Navy had a lasting influence on him, instilling a deep sense of duty and service that carried over into his political career. Carter’s background as a Naval Academy graduate and submariner remains unique, as he is the only U.S. president to have graduated from the Naval Academy.
Transition to Political Life
After leaving the Navy in 1953 following his father’s death, Jimmy Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, where he began his transition to civilian life and laid the groundwork for a future in politics. During this time, Carter became deeply involved in his community. He served on local boards overseeing education, the hospital authority, and the library. At Plains Baptist Church, he became a deacon and Sunday school teacher, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and neighbors. In 1955, Carter successfully ran for a seat on the Sumter County Board of Education, eventually serving as its chairman.
Carter’s political ambitions grew, and by the early 1960s, he entered state politics. In 1962, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate, where he served from 1963 to 1966. With his sights set higher, Carter initially planned to run for the U.S. Congress in 1966 but instead decided to enter the race for governor of Georgia. Although his first attempt was unsuccessful, finishing third in the Democratic primary, Carter quickly began preparing for another gubernatorial campaign.
In 1970, Carter’s persistence paid off when he was elected governor of Georgia, a position he held from 1971 to 1975. During his tenure, he started gaining national recognition and took on leadership roles within the Democratic Party, including serving as chairman of the Democratic National Committee’s congressional and gubernatorial campaigns in 1974. This elevated his profile and set the stage for his successful run for the presidency in 1976. Carter’s journey from small-town peanut farmer to governor showcased his determination and ability to connect with people at all levels, paving the way for his rise to national prominence.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His life was marked by dedicated public service, from his early years in the U.S. Navy to his tenure as Commander-in-Chief and his extensive humanitarian efforts post-presidency.
Early Life and Naval Career
James Earl Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in the small town of Plains, Georgia. Carter was the first US President born in a hospital. He grew up in nearby Archery, where his family ran a farm. This humble upbringing taught Carter the value of hard work and responsibility, shaping the character that would guide him throughout his life. As a young boy, he was a bright student with a love for reading. At Plains High School, Carter excelled academically, participated in extracurricular activities, and played basketball. After graduating in 1941, he set his sights on joining the United States Naval Academy.
To prepare for this ambitious goal, Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College and later transferred to the Georgia Institute of Technology. His hard work paid off when he received an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1943. Carter graduated from the academy in 1946, ranking 60th out of 821 midshipmen, and chose to serve in the Navy’s submarine program.
His naval career was both impressive and groundbreaking. He served aboard various submarines, including the USS Pomfret and USS K-1, where he held the positions of electronics officer and executive officer. In 1952, he joined the Navy’s pioneering nuclear submarine program under Admiral Hyman Rickover. Carter contributed to the design and development of nuclear propulsion systems for naval vessels, showcasing his technical expertise. Over the course of his short service, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets.
Carter left the Navy in 1953 after his father passed away, choosing to return home and manage the family peanut farm. His time in the Navy had a lasting influence on him, instilling a deep sense of duty and service that carried over into his political career. Carter’s background as a Naval Academy graduate and submariner remains unique, as he is the only U.S. president to have graduated from the Naval Academy.
Transition to Political Life
After leaving the Navy in 1953 following his father’s death, Jimmy Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, where he began his transition to civilian life and laid the groundwork for a future in politics. During this time, Carter became deeply involved in his community. He served on local boards overseeing education, the hospital authority, and the library. At Plains Baptist Church, he became a deacon and Sunday school teacher, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and neighbors. In 1955, Carter successfully ran for a seat on the Sumter County Board of Education, eventually serving as its chairman.
Carter’s political ambitions grew, and by the early 1960s, he entered state politics. In 1962, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate, where he served from 1963 to 1966. With his sights set higher, Carter initially planned to run for the U.S. Congress in 1966 but instead decided to enter the race for governor of Georgia. Although his first attempt was unsuccessful, finishing third in the Democratic primary, Carter quickly began preparing for another gubernatorial campaign.
In 1970, Carter’s persistence paid off when he was elected governor of Georgia, a position he held from 1971 to 1975. During his tenure, he started gaining national recognition and took on leadership roles within the Democratic Party, including serving as chairman of the Democratic National Committee’s congressional and gubernatorial campaigns in 1974. This elevated his profile and set the stage for his successful run for the presidency in 1976. Carter’s journey from small-town peanut farmer to governor showcased his determination and ability to connect with people at all levels, paving the way for his rise to national prominence.
Presidency: 1977-1981
Carter defeated incumbent President Gerald Ford and served as the 39th President of the United States from January 20, 1977, to January 20, 1981. His presidency was marked by notable achievements in foreign policy and domestic initiatives, though it also faced significant challenges. In foreign affairs, Carter brokered the Camp David Accords in 1978, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. He established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1979, negotiated treaties returning control of the Panama Canal to Panama, and signed the SALT II Treaty with the Soviet Union to limit nuclear weapons. Carter made human rights a cornerstone of his foreign policy, pressuring governments worldwide to improve their records. He was also the first U.S. president to visit Sub-Saharan Africa.
On the domestic front, Carter created the Department of Energy and the Department of Education, implementing a comprehensive energy program to address the energy crisis. He deregulated the airline industry and expanded the national park system, protecting 103 million acres of Alaskan lands. His administration set a precedent by appointing a record number of women, African Americans, and Hispanics to federal positions.
The Carter years were marked by numerous challenges that tested his leadership and shaped his legacy. On the foreign policy front, the Iranian Revolution in 1979 led to the overthrow of Iran’s pro-Western shah, a major blow to U.S. strategic interests. Later that year, Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking dozens of Americans hostage for over a year.
The failed rescue mission, Operation Eagle Claw, in April 1980 only deepened public frustration. At the same time, the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 escalated Cold War tensions. Carter responded by withdrawing the SALT II arms treaty, increasing military spending, boycotting the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and providing military aid to Afghan rebels fighting the Soviets.
Domestically, Carter faced severe economic challenges, including inflation that soared above 14% in 1980, rising unemployment, and skyrocketing energy costs. His administration’s attempts to control inflation with high interest rates led to a recession. Gasoline shortages and price hikes added to public discontent, while a broader “crisis of confidence” eroded trust in government institutions.
Carter’s foreign policy began with an emphasis on détente and human rights but shifted toward a more hawkish stance due to growing global tensions. Despite some successes, such as the Camp David Accords, these challenges—particularly the Iran hostage crisis and economic instability—played a significant role in his landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election.
Post-Presidency and Humanitarian Work
Jimmy Carter’s post-presidency is considered one of the most impactful in U.S. history. After leaving office in 1981, he devoted himself to humanitarian work, peace efforts, and global public service. In 1982, Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting human rights, alleviating suffering, and advancing democracy worldwide. Through the Carter Center, Carter has monitored over 100 elections in developing countries to ensure fairness, worked to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm and river blindness in Africa, and facilitated conflict resolution and peace negotiations in various nations.
Carter’s humanitarian efforts have been extensive and hands-on. A longtime volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, he and Rosalynn worked alongside thousands of volunteers to build, renovate, and repair homes for those in need in over 14 countries. Even into his 90s, Carter continued his work with Habitat, despite facing injuries, showing his unwavering commitment to helping others.
As an unofficial diplomat and mediator, Carter has played a key role in resolving international conflicts. He negotiated with leaders like Kim Il Sung of North Korea and Muammar Qaddafi of Libya, and in 1994, he helped resolve a nuclear weapons dispute with North Korea. His efforts in promoting peace and human rights have made a lasting impact around the globe.
Carter’s post-presidential work has earned him widespread recognition. In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, advancing democracy, and promoting social and economic development. In 1999, he and Rosalynn were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Carter’s tireless efforts have set a new standard for former presidents, proving that a leader’s service can continue to make a profound difference long after leaving office.
Final Years
Jimmy Carter’s final years were marked by health challenges, continued humanitarian work, and a peaceful passing surrounded by family. In 2015, Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that had spread to his liver and brain, but after treatment, he was declared cancer-free. In 2019, he suffered multiple falls, including one that fractured his pelvis.
By February 2023, at the age of 98, Carter entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia. Despite his declining health, he remained resilient, spending nearly two years in hospice care. In September 2024, his grandson Jason Carter shared that while Jimmy was doing as well as could be expected, he was “very physically diminished.” Sadly, Carter’s wife Rosalynn, his partner of 77 years, had passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96.
On December 29, 2024, Jimmy Carter passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. At 100 years old, he was the longest-lived president in U.S. history. His passing marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to service. Throughout his final years, he continued to be celebrated for his humanitarian work and his legacy of compassion and public service, with tributes pouring in from around the world to honor his remarkable life.
Legacy and Tributes
Following his passing, tributes poured in from leaders around the world. Former President Barack Obama called Carter a leader who “taught us all what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, and service.” Bill Clinton praised his tireless work for a better world, and President-elect Donald Trump expressed gratitude for Carter’s contributions. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau honored Carter’s legacy of compassion and integrity, while French President Emmanuel Macron remembered him as a steadfast advocate for the vulnerable. Leaders from Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Egypt, and Brazil also acknowledged Carter’s unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and peace.
In recognition of his service, U.S. and Commonwealth flags are being flown at half-staff across the nation. Carter’s life and work have left a lasting impression, demonstrating how his post-presidential efforts significantly shaped public perception and reminded the world of his enduring commitment to public service and humanitarian causes.
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