12/31/2024
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Remembering Jimmy Carter
A brief eulogy for the life of America's 39th President
James Kaiser
Dec 31
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Dear Readers,
This week, the United States entered a period of mourning after the loss of our 39th President, James Earl Carter—known to the nation simply as Jimmy Carter. It is a poignant moment for me personally, as I learned of his passing while driving through Georgia, occasionally pointing out Jimmy Carter landmarks to my fiancée. We reflected on his remarkable life, his victory over brain cancer years earlier, and the sheer achievement of reaching his 100th year.
Carter’s passing comes just over a year after the loss of his beloved wife, Rosalynn. Their marriage of 77 years remains the longest of any U.S. president—a partnership defined by love, perseverance, and shared purpose. Despite Rosalynn initially rejecting Jimmy’s first marriage proposal after less than a year of dating, their bond grew into one of the most enduring and inspiring in American history. Together, they raised four children and were blessed with many grandchildren.
Born and likely to be laid to rest in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter’s life began humbly on his family’s peanut farm. His upbringing was steeped in faith and service, with the family attending church regularly. After high school, Carter attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he served as an electronics officer on submarines. His naval career was cut short by his father’s death, prompting Carter to return to Georgia to manage the family farm—a pivotal decision that eventually steered him toward politics.
Carter’s political journey began in the Georgia State Senate, followed by his election as governor. A Democrat, Carter demonstrated courage by supporting the Civil Rights Movement, often standing in opposition to the segregationist legacy of his state’s old style Democratic establishment. Despite pushback, he built a reputation for integrity and fairness, qualities that ultimately propelled him to the national stage. In 1976, Carter shocked many by securing the Democratic nomination for president and defeating the incumbent Republican President, Gerald Ford.
Carter’s presidency, however, faced significant challenges. While his administration achieved notable successes—most famously brokering peace between Egypt and Israel during the Camp David Accords and advancing normalization of relations with China—he struggled with a weak economy, energy crises, and the protracted Iran Hostage Crisis, which overshadowed much of his tenure. His often-tense relationship with Congress and difficulties in managing his cabinet further complicated his presidency. These struggles contributed to his defeat in 1980 by Republican President Ronald Reagan.
Yet, what endures beyond Carter’s presidency is the unmatched character of the man himself. Honorable, transparent, and compassionate, Jimmy Carter exemplified public service in its purest form. His post-presidency work stands as a model for all former leaders. Through the Carter Center, he championed human rights, fought infectious diseases globally, and advanced democracy. At home, he built homes for the poor and continued to teach Sunday school well into his 90s, inspiring countless people with his humility and faith.
While his presidency may not be viewed as historically successful, Jimmy Carter’s life is an undeniable testament to the power of integrity, service, and compassion. He reminded us all of the importance of striving to leave the world a better place. Today, as we remember him, we celebrate not just an American President, but a man who dedicated every chapter of his life to the well-being of others.
May he rest in peace, reunited with Rosalynn, in the embrace of the faith that guided his remarkable journey.
Very truly yours,
James Kaiser
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