The national leader with one of the most successful post-presidential careers in United States history, President Jimmy Carter, passed away on December 29, 2024.

Having been in hospice care for nearly a year, President Carter leaves behind an incredibly influential legacy.

In his early years, President Carter preached Christianity through every word and action. He centered his life around the principles of the Bible and was a leader in his church, teaching Sunday school — even throughout his presidency.

Growing up in poverty on a peanut farm in Georgia, he was a hard-working student and was accepted into the US Naval Academy. After graduation in the late 1940s, he began his substantial Naval career.

President Carter was a very skilled military man with substantial engineering knowledge. He served on the United States submarines which were being converted into nuclear submarines. Just as his Naval career was taking off, he received word that his dad had passed away. As a result, he resigned from the Navy and returned to Georgia to help the family on the farm.

When the United States government was in a period of racial unrest, President Carter was heavily pressured by fellow Georgian farmers to join the White Citizens Council.

AP United States History teacher Gretta DeMenatto said, “To my knowledge he was the only white man in his town to refuse to join. He suffered financially as his neighbors punished him for not becoming a member of the group.”

Eventually, he became a leader in the Georgia Democratic party, serving in the Georgia Senate and later becoming governor of Georgia until 1975. He then ran as the Democratic candidate, securing his position as the 39th president of the United States in 1977.

“Carter was elected because, in part, he was seen as a Washington outsider.  This was desperately wanted after the Watergate Scandal under President Nixon when American distrust of government was at an all-time high, especially after finding out government lies about the Vietnam War,” said Mrs. DeMenatto.

During the Presidency, he used his strong faith to negotiate the first peace treaty between an Arab state and Israel, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize.

After his four years as president, he lost the bid for re-election against Ronald Reagan. However, his legacy can be recognized by his post-presidential efforts.

He and his wife created the Carter Center for Peace and Social Justice and Habitat for Humanity. He also engaged in conversation and diplomatic meetings with many foreign nations regarding peace on behalf of some of the preceding presidents in office.

After years of service, former president James Earl Carter, Jr. passed away at 100 years of age.

According to CBS News, President Carter’s state funeral was held at the National Cathedral before burial back in Georgia. President Joe Biden gave a eulogy at the service. The day of his funeral, Thursday, January 9, 2025, was declared a National Day of Mourning for him.