To the Journal editor:

Jimmy Carter, Oct. 1, 1924 – Dec. 29, 2024

President, Jan. 20, 1977 – Jan. 20, 1981

Carter was descended from a 1635 Virginia colonist. His father was a Georgia peanut farmer.

He went to the US Naval Academy and served with high distinction in World War II and on a nuclear submarine, receiving many impressive medals.

Carter’s presidency was marred by difficulties, including a fuel shortage and the Iran Hostage Crisis, and is not highly rated for achievements. One highlight was the 1980 landmark Mental Health System Act, later eliminated by Ronald Reagan.

During his presidency he participated in the Camp David Accords to assist the peace process in the Middle East, and worked to return the Panama Canal back to its rightful owner, Panama.

It is after his presidency that Carter hit his stride as a humanitarian and positive force for good.

As a born-again Christian, he was open about his daily prayer, his human feelings, weaknesses, and his evangelism.

Carter participated in missions in the

Middle East, and met with leaders of:

Israel and the P.L.O. 1983

North Korea, 1994

China, 1999

Venezuela, 2006

The Elders World Leaders, Johannesburg, to work on existential threats to humanity, 2007

Carter visited leaders in Darfur, Sudan, Cyprus, Syria over many years.

Carter traveled to North Korea to secure release of an American held there, 2010.

After the 9/11 attacks, Carter called on all Americans to support President Bush with complete unity.

After criticizing President Bush’s response to Hurricane Katrina, he volunteered to build homes, and also offered help after Hurricanes Sandy, Harvey and Irma.

Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982, a non-governmental, nonprofit for advancing human rights and alleviating suffering in over 80 countries.

Carter volunteered during the first Trump presidency to be an envoy to N. Korea.

Carter founded the New Baptist Covenant Organization for Social Justice.

Taught at Emory University 37 years.

Married for 77 years.

Strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Personal friend of Elvis Presley!

Jimmy Carter was not a perfect human being nor a perfect president.

He was a person who demonstrated a willingness to strive for better.

He demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge his own weaknesses, to recognize injustice and inhumanity, and the need to make things better for all of humanity, not only the rich and powerful.

This is the kind of leader America still needs.

A humanitarian.

A person capable of modesty, humanity, loyalty and kindness.