James Earl Carter (October 1, 1924 — December 29, 2024) was the 39th President of the United States and the first presidential candidate to campaign using his nickname Jimmy Carter. This humble peanut farmer and Sunday school teacher from Plains, Georgia, taught us all lessons about grace, dignity, and humanitarianism. He worked with his wife, Rosalynn Carter (August 18, 1927 — November 19, 2023), on Habitat for Humanity projects well into his 90s.
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Although he only served four years as president, Jimmy Carter is fondly remembered by most citizens. His smiling personality and downhome southern charm were always warm and refreshing. One of his first acts as president-elect was to dedicate funding and personnel to a transition team. The transition team ensured everything was conducted methodically and that policy has been the norm in presidential transitions since 1976.
When Jimmy Carter took office on January 20, 1977. he immediately signed Proclamation 4483, an executive order granting Vietnam War draft evaders unconditional amnesty. During his four-year term, the country experienced economic distress, inflation, recession, and an energy crisis in 1979. He bailed out automotive manufacturer Chrysler Corporation by providing $3.5 billion in government aid. That kept Chrysler operating and assisted Lee Iacocca in restoring the company’s image.
Jimmy Carter Worked Tirelessly To Promote Peace
Jimmy Carter and his administration worked tirelessly to ease the conflicts in the Middle East. They helped to iron out the details of the Camp David Accords in 1978. Ownership and operation of the Panama Canal was returned to Panama. Another huge win for his administration was signing the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks/Treaty (SALT II).
During his final year in office, the Iran Hostage Crisis occurred. The crisis lasted 444 days, from November 4, 1979, until January 20, 1981. Iranian students took 66 US diplomats and citizens hostage. President Carter refused to give in to their demands in keeping with US policy. In 1980, Carter stopped diplomatic relations with the small country, imposing a trade embargo that included everything except medicines and food.
Even with a successful four-year term, the Iran Hostage Crisis is thought to have been the catalyst in Jimmy Carter’s lost reelection bid. President Carter was the only US president who didn’t wage war on any other nation—the only one. Ever. After leaving office, Jimmy Carter facilitated successful peace talks worldwide. The quiet peanut farmer had a way of making people feel relaxed while his confidence shone through. He was a true American hero.
Jimmy And Rosalynn Carter Continued To Work For The People After Leaving Office
Jimmy Carter never stopped working. His support for Habitat for Humanity is legendary. When he had time, he could always be found on a construction site with a hammer in his hand. His wife, Rosalynn, frequently joined him. She also continued projects she began as First Lady for mental health awareness.
During Rosalynn’s funeral service, their daughter, Amy, read a love letter that her dad sent to her mom. There was no dry eye in the house as she read, “… when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again.” Jimmy Carter exemplified his love daily. He loved his family, his friends, and especially every citizen of the United States.
As you move through your day, take a moment to think about the humble peanut farmer who became a different kind of president. Remember his never-ending pursuit of world peace. Picture his smile and share one of your own with a stranger. Jimmy Carter tried to live his life in a way that would be “Christlike.” It’s OK to see the acronym “WWJD” and think of it as “What would Jimmy do?”
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