The StateDefenseForce.com staff expresses our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His extraordinary life, spanning over a century, was marked by dedication to public service, global humanitarian efforts, and a commitment to justice and peace.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was a man of many roles: businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, and humanitarian. Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter rose from humble beginnings in a small farming community. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, he served as a submarine officer before returning home to manage his family’s peanut business following his father’s death.
Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a relatively unknown figure, leveraging his reputation for integrity and transparency in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. His campaign promise not to deceive the American people resonated deeply, and he narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford.
As president, Carter’s tenure was marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges. His most notable accomplishment was brokering the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel in 1978. Carter also prioritized human rights in his foreign policy, pressuring governments to release political prisoners and advocating for global democracy.
Domestically, he established the Department of Energy, focused on reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and created the Department of Education. Despite these successes, Carter faced economic turbulence, including double-digit inflation and an energy crisis, as well as the protracted Iran hostage crisis, which contributed to his loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
Carter’s defeat in 1980 marked the beginning of a remarkable second act. In 1982, he and his wife Rosalynn founded The Carter Center, an organization dedicated to advancing peace, democracy, and public health worldwide. The center’s initiatives included monitoring elections, combating diseases like Guinea worm, and mediating international conflicts. Carter’s efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
A staunch advocate for affordable housing, Carter famously partnered with Habitat for Humanity, personally building homes for the underprivileged well into his 90s. He also authored numerous books, sharing his insights on faith, diplomacy, and governance.
President Carter’s life exemplified humility, faith, and a relentless commitment to service. He once said, “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” His dedication to these principles made him a global symbol of moral leadership.
As the nation mourns his passing, commemorative events are being planned to honor his extraordinary life. The Georgia State Defense Force, which recently supported the funeral of his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, is expected to participate in these solemn ceremonies. Their involvement highlights their professionalism and commitment to honoring public figures who have left an indelible mark on society.
Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96, shared her husband’s passion for advocacy and public service. Together, they championed causes such as mental health, elderly care, and human rights, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their contributions.
As we reflect on the “epic American life” of Jimmy Carter, we are reminded of his enduring impact on the nation and the world. His legacy serves as an inspiration to pursue lives of purpose, humility, and service.
StateDefenseForce.com joins the nation in honoring the memory of this extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. We extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family and celebrate a life dedicated to making the world a better place.
