Remembering Jimmy Carter
AUSTIN, APRIL 8-- Former President Jimmy Carter shown during a Google Hangout session held during the LBJ Presidential Library Civil Rights Summit on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Austin, Texas. Photo by Lauren Gerson.
On December 19th, 2024, Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States, peacefully passed away in his home at 100 years old. This news was devastating for many, as he was the longest-lived president in the history of the United States. Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. He was born into a family of peanut farmers and was the oldest of four children. Carter attended and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946. He then served as a naval officer and participated in many government programs, including the nuclear project. After he finished his naval duties, he returned to Georgia where his political career began with a term in the Georgia Senate from 1963 to 1966. He then served as the Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Carter gained attention from the media for his work as governor which prompted him to run in the 1976 presidential election. While the race was close, Jimmy Carter narrowly won both the electoral and popular votes, making him the 39th president of the U.S.
Jimmy Carter had a successful term as president with many successes like the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel which created peace between the two countries. He also placed a big emphasis on energy, implementing his “energy plan” that worked to reduce energy usage in the U.S. However, one of Carter’s biggest achievements was the establishment of the Department of Education. This department is crucial for the country, as it controls the rules and funding for public schools. He also faced challenges as president, including an economic crisis and a hostage situation in Iran. He capped off his term by announcing he was running for re-election in the next presidential race. He ended up losing the race to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
What Carter is better known for is his efforts after his presidency. Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center, focusing on human rights, conflicts, and disease eradication.. He believed that no one should have to suffer from a disease that can be preventable or treated. The Carter Center’s most famous disease eradication mission has been its campaign to exterminate Guinea worm disease which is caused by a parasite that can be contracted from drinking dirty water. In 1986, when the Center took on the challenge, there were approximately 3.5 million cases worldwide. Now there are less than 14 cases worldwide which goes to show the foundation's success. Carter was also a big figure in international politics as he oversaw many elections in foreign countries. He was even awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for all of his efforts to make the world a better place.
Sadly Carter's later life was marked by constant health issues. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and entered hospice in 2023 because of it. He spent his few final years with his family. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away on November 19, 2023, and a year later, Jimmy Carter sadly passed away on December 29, 2024, in Plains, GA. He was surrounded by family and had a peaceful death. His funeral was held in the Washington National Cathedral where President Joe Biden gave a eulogy. Many different political and influential world leaders attended the ceremony, which speaks to the incredible work Jimmy Carter did during his life.
By Daniel Meza