James “Jimmy” Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States, died on December 29, 2024 at just over 100 years old. He died from metastatic melanoma, a deadly cancer he was diagnosed with ten years ago.
Carter grew up as a peanut farmer in Plains, Georgia and married his hometown sweetheart, Rosalynn Smith, in 1946. He served in the Navy at the end of World War II, left active service in 1953, and officially retired as a Lieutenant in 1961. He then established himself in politics, first as a Georgia state senator, and then as the 76th governor of Georgia. He ran for president as a member of the Democratic Party after his governance in 1975, and served as president from 1977 to 1981.
Carter’s term was filled with ups and downs in American politics. According to The White House article on Carter, “The consequences of Iran’s holding Americans captive, together with continuing inflation at home, contributed to Carter’s defeat in 1980.”
Despite issues during his presidency, he made many positive impacts on the nation. “Carter changed the direction of U.S. foreign policy by making human rights a centerpiece. He negotiated the Camp David peace accords between Egypt and Israel, normalized diplomatic and trade relations with China, and […] established the Department of Energy and Department of Education,” according to a Texas A&M University article on the legacy of Carter.
There is some debate over Carter’s effectiveness and efficiency as president, but his good character and humanity is widely agreed upon. Carter established the Carter Center, which works to resolve global conflicts and improve mental health care and won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize because of his contributions to peacemaking and his campaigns for human rights. “[He] has been involved in more than 100 negotiations on elections or observing elections, and because of this, there has been a huge American presence in the world. No one has done as much in their post-presidential years,” according to Texas A&M University professor, Terry Anderson.
Additionally, Carter taught at Emory University, worked with Habitat for Humanity, and wrote several books following his presidency, all of which have earned him massive respect and admiration from American citizens.
Carter’s funeral was held at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, where President Biden gave a eulogy speech. Two posthumous eulogies from former president Ford and former Vice President Mondale were given as well, delivered by the politicians’ sons. Former presidents Trump, Clinton, Obama, and H. W. Bush also attended the service. He was laid to rest in his Georgia hometown next to his wife of nearly eight decades.
The American flag was lowered to half-staff around the country in honor of President Carter and remained lowered for a 30-day period following his death. The flags were raised again on January 28, and though this period of mourning is over, the American people will not soon forget Carter or the impact he had on millions of people around the world.
