Jimmy Carter’s Life in Photos

Jimmy Carter's Life in Photos

by Tasha Mayberry

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Born on October 1, 1924, in the rural town of Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter was raised by deeply religious Baptist parents. By age 10, he was already helping out in his father’s peanut store. Growing up in the segregated Deep South profoundly shaped Carter’s early worldview, gradually inspiring more progressive beliefs and a commitment to service. I had only one life to live, and I wanted to live it as a civilian, with a potentially fuller opportunity for varied public service,” Carter reflected in his 2010 memoir, White House Diary. Carter’s dedication to service defined his life, from his political career to his post-presidential years. Well into his 90s, he and his wife, Rosalynn, worked with Habitat for Humanity, building homes and hope for communities in need. birthday.

Jimmy Carter's Military Service

In 1943, Jimmy Carter earned a coveted spot at the prestigious Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he pursued engineering studies. A standout student, he graduated in just three years, ranking in the top 10 percent of his class.

Jimmy Carter's Family

The same year he graduated from college, Jimmy Carter married Rosalynn Smith, a childhood friend. After their first date, he confidently told his mother, “She’s the girl I want to marry.” By 1952, the couple had welcomed three sons—Jack, Chip, and Jeff—and 15 years later, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Amy.

Jimmy Carter: From Peanuts to Politics

While serving in the Navy, Jimmy Carter specialized in submarines, receiving assignments across the country, from Hawaii to Connecticut. However, his naval career was cut short in 1953 when his father passed away. Carter returned to Plains, Georgia, to take over the family peanut business. His time as an entrepreneur sparked a growing interest in local politics. In 1955, he took his first step into public service by winning a seat on the local board of education, laying the foundation for his future political career.

Jimmy Carter in the State Senate

Positioning himself as a progressive Southerner who opposed segregation and championed civil rights, Jimmy Carter ran for the Georgia State Senate in 1962 and won. During his two terms, he earned a reputation as a tough, independent leader committed to fairness and reform.

Jimmy Carter as Governor

After an unsuccessful bid for governor in 1966, Jimmy Carter recalibrated his strategy, adopting a more conservative stance during his campaign four years later. Once elected in 1970, however, he pivoted back to his progressive ideals, championing environmental protection, efficient governance, and the dismantling of racial barriers. At his 1971 inauguration, Carter underscored his commitment to fairness and inclusivity, declaring, “The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend upon it.”

Jimmy Carter Becomes President

In 1976, Jimmy Carter won a closely contested race against incumbent Gerald R. Ford, becoming the 39th President of the United States. In his inaugural address, he declared, “To be true to ourselves, we must be true to others,” setting the tone for his presidency. During his four years in office, Carter’s administration created nearly 8 million jobs, reduced the budget deficit, and advanced initiatives in energy efficiency, environmental protection, and education. However, his presidency also faced significant challenges, including battling inflation and record-high interest rates, which tested his leadership amid economic turbulence.

Jimmy Carter on Foreign Affairs

Jimmy Carter achieved several notable successes in foreign policy, including the negotiation of the Panama Canal treaties, the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II arms control treaty, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. We have no desire to be the world’s policeman. But America does want to be the world’s peacemaker,” Carter declared in his 1979 State of the Union address, reflecting his vision of the U.S. as a leader in fostering global harmony and cooperation.

Jimmy Carter's Diplomatic Work

After losing his 1980 reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter admitted on Larry King Live that he felt “a sense of relief” at being free from the demands of the presidency. With his newfound freedom, Carter turned his focus to diplomacy and advocacy, often venturing into complex and controversial regions such as Haiti and North Korea, where his efforts aimed to foster dialogue and resolve conflicts.

Jimmy Carter Earns the Nobel Peace Prize

In 2002, Jimmy Carter was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his exceptional efforts in advancing human rights and democracy across the globe. During his acceptance speech, he spoke to the power of unity and shared responsibility, stating, “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to work together for peace … and we must.

Jimmy Carter's Later Years

A prolific author with dozens of books to his name, Jimmy Carter, alongside his wife Rosalynn, dedicated his post-presidency to improving lives worldwide. Through the Carter Center, they tackled issues close to Carter’s heart, such as combating river blindness in countries like Nepal and South Sudan, launching health and agricultural programs in impoverished regions, and working to prevent conflicts, monitor elections, and promote peace. Even in his later years, Carter remained active in his community, teaching Sunday school and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity—remarkably continuing his efforts shortly after turning 95. In 2019, Carter endured three falls, the last of which resulted in a fractured pelvis and hospitalization for bleeding on the brain. Despite these challenges, he recovered and made history as the longest-living former U.S. president, reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years old.

Jimmy Carter Turns 100

The former president officially reached his 100th year, a milestone celebrated with an unforgettable event hosted by the Carter Center. Sponsored by Delta Airlines, “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” took place on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. The star-studded lineup included performances by Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, The War And Treaty, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus, and more. The event was broadcast by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) on Carter’s birthday, October 1, 2024, allowing audiences across the state to join in honoring his incredible legacy. While Carter has achieved much in his lifetime, he shared one more personal goal he hopes to accomplish: casting his vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Jimmy Carter Passes Away

On December 29, James E. Carter III announced that his father, the beloved 39th president, had passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, as reported by The Washington Post. The Carter Center also confirmed the news in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter). Jimmy Carter is survived by his four children with Rosalynn—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who carry forward the legacy of a life dedicated to service, compassion, and family.

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