Jimmy Carter’s Death Mourned by Plains and World \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and humanitarian, passed away at 100 in his Plains, Georgia home. His death sparked global tributes, from local residents reflecting on his warmth to world leaders recognizing his contributions to peace, democracy, and human rights. Plains, the Carters’ lifelong home, prepares for a future without them while preserving their legacy.
Jimmy Carter’s Legacy: Plains and Beyond Quick Looks
- Jimmy Carter passed away at 100 in Plains, Georgia.
- Tributes poured in from world leaders, neighbors, and humanitarians.
- Carter’s local roots in Plains shaped his global impact.
- The Carter Center continues the couple’s four decades of humanitarian work.
- National mourning is set for January 9, 2025, with a state funeral.
Deep Look
Jimmy Carter’s Passing: A Reflection on His Life, Legacy, and Impact from Plains to the World
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and tireless global humanitarian, passed away at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. The small town, with a population of fewer than 700, has long been synonymous with Carter’s name, and his death marks the end of an era for a community and a world that benefitted immensely from his leadership and service.
Johnny Jones, an 85-year-old Plains resident, captured the spirit of the close-knit town when he recalled learning about Carter’s passing within minutes. “Somebody texted my wife and told her about it — that’s when I found out,” Jones said. For Plains, Carter was not just a world-renowned figure but a neighbor, known affectionately as “Mr. Jimmy.” His wife, Rosalynn, who passed just weeks earlier in November 2023, was equally revered.
Plains: A Town Shaped by Carter, and Carter Shaped by Plains
Carter’s roots in Plains shaped his lifelong dedication to humility, service, and community. Born on October 1, 1924, Carter spent most of his life in this rural Georgia town. It was here that he built his modest one-story home with Rosalynn, launched his first political campaign over six decades ago, and ultimately returned after his presidency.
The Carters’ presence transformed Plains into a place of international significance. The old train depot that served as Carter’s campaign headquarters in 1976 remains a centerpiece of the town. Streets lined with cafes, souvenir shops, and Carter memorabilia serve as a reminder of his remarkable rise to the presidency. However, his neighbors remember him as a humble and approachable figure.
Philip Kurland, owner of a political memorabilia shop, described Carter as more neighbor than statesman. “He once prayed with me when I was sick,” Kurland said. Reflecting the collective disbelief of the town, he added, “We’re in a state of denial. I was telling people: Let’s start planning for his 101st birthday.”
Tributes and Mourning in Plains
On Monday evening, residents gathered at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter taught Sunday school for decades. The church was quiet except for the soft notes of a piano as attendees lit candles in silent remembrance. Black ribbons hung alongside U.S. flags on Plains’ main street, symbolizing the town’s mourning.
Despite the somber atmosphere, there is optimism about Carter’s lasting legacy in Plains. Jill Stuckey, a close family friend and overseer of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, noted that the Carters planned meticulously for Plains’ future. Their home, along with their burial sites, will become part of the National Park system, ensuring that Plains remains a destination for generations.
Rosalynn Carter was laid to rest in November in a gravesite visible from the front porch of their home. Jimmy Carter will join her there, fulfilling their shared wish to remain in the town where they were born, married, and spent most of their lives.
A Legacy of Global Impact
While Plains mourns a neighbor, the world mourns a statesman and humanitarian whose contributions extended far beyond his presidency. Carter’s single term in office, marked by landmark achievements in peace and diplomacy, was overshadowed by economic struggles and his defeat in 1980. However, his post-presidency became a model for what former presidents can accomplish.
The Carter Center, founded in 1982, undertook missions in diplomacy, election monitoring, and public health that spanned five continents. Its efforts eradicated Guinea worm disease in several regions and monitored over 100 elections globally, embodying Carter’s dedication to improving lives.
Jason Carter, his grandson and chair of the Carter Center’s governing board, said, “My grandfather could go to a village anywhere in the world and help people without patronizing them. Because he was from a village like that himself.”
In addition to the Carter Center, Jimmy and Rosalynn were tireless advocates for Habitat for Humanity, building homes for low-income families well into their 90s. Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford recalled how their involvement put the organization on the map. “Most people think President Carter started Habitat, but that’s not true. What is true is that when he and Mrs. Carter joined us in 1984, they brought global attention to our mission.”
Global Tributes to a Peacemaker
World leaders and international institutions paid tribute to Carter’s contributions to peace, democracy, and human rights. In Washington, President Joe Biden announced January 9, 2025, as a day of national mourning. Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol from January 7 to January 9 before his state funeral at the National Cathedral, where Biden will deliver a eulogy.
At the United Nations, the Security Council held a moment of silence, and U.S. Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea read a tribute highlighting Carter’s legacy as a peacemaker and advocate for human rights. China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador, Geng Shuang, praised Carter’s role in normalizing U.S.-China relations, calling him “a driving force for cooperation.”
In the Middle East, Egyptian rights activist Hossam Bahgat remembered Carter for his courage in calling out Israeli policies toward Palestinians. Bahgat referred to Carter as “a profile of courage” who was unafraid to challenge powerful institutions.
Plains Without the Carters
As Plains residents grapple with the loss of their most famous citizens, many worry about the town’s future. Johnny Jones predicted a decline in interest, but others believe the Carters’ legacy will keep Plains relevant.
Jill Stuckey expressed personal sadness but confidence in the Carters’ planning. “They’ve set us up for success,” she said. The establishment of the Carter National Historical Park and the ongoing work of the Carter Center ensure that their influence will endure locally and globally.
For a town as small as Plains, losing the Carters is monumental. Yet their example of humility, service, and dedication to community offers a blueprint for resilience. “Since the moment Rosalynn passed, he wanted to be with her,” Stuckey said. “Knowing they’re reunited is a wonderful thing.”
A Life of Service
Jimmy Carter’s life was one of remarkable dedication to others. From his roots in Plains to the highest levels of global diplomacy, he embodied values of humility, faith, and service. While his death marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, his legacy—rooted in both the simple life of Plains and the complex challenges of the global stage—will continue to inspire generations.
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