Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States of America and oldest US president in the nation’s history, died today at the age of 100, according to his son, James (Chip), as reported by several news agencies.
Carter was born on Oct. 1, 1924 in the city of Plains, Georgia. After high school, his education picked up as he switched from Georgia Southwestern College to Georgia Institute of Technology, all the way to the United States Naval Academy in 1943. He graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
That would begin a long career in the US Navy from 1946 to 1953, where he traveled across the country to partake in many different jobs and positions. While in the navy he met his future wife, Eleanor Rosalynn Smith. Fate forced his naval career to end shortly, as his father’s death led him to take charge of the family peanut-farming business.
For the next 10 years he and his growing family of four – Amy, Donnel, Jack, and James Carter – were peanut farmers until he became a Georgia State Senator in 1963. After a failed attempt at the Georgia governorship, he succeeded against his Republican opponent in 1970.
Carter was the Georgia governor from 1971 to 1975. His leadership consisted of an anti-discrimination campaign.
He concluded his one-term state leadership by running for US President on the stances of equality, optimism, and change. With Watergate and Carter’s calm peanut-farmer appearance, he was elected the 39th US president.
His presidency from 1977 – 1981 was short, but ever important. He was in office during the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, US Energy Crisis, Iran Hostage Crisis, and was a considerable figure in the Cold War. He was seen as a polite southerner, and had considerable disputes with Congress. He failed to win a second term against Ronald Reagan, ending his presidency.
After his presidency, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum was established in Atlanta, Georgia. The last USS Seawolf-class submarine was named the USS Jimmy Carter, since he attempted to get stationed in one during his naval career. He also received the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter is survived by his four children Amy Carter, Donnel Carter, Jack Carter, and James Carter. His wife Rosalynn preceded him in death on Nov. 19. 2023.
