Why Jimmy Carter’s Death Hits Me Hard

Jimmy Carter died this week, and even though I knew it was inevitable, his death left me deeply sad. I was 18 in 1976 and excited to cast my first vote in a presidential election. There was never a doubt in my mind about who I would vote for as my first president; it would be the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia! I was impressed by his strong faith and integrity and charmed by his sweet Southern accent.

Until July of 1971, the voting age in the United States was 21. With the passage of the 26^th Amendment, the age was lowered to 18. It had long been argued that if a person was old enough to fight for their country, they should have the right to vote. As a freshman in college, I was more than ready to embrace that part of adulthood and proudly went to the polls to cast my vote for Jimmy Carter.

I didn’t know President Carter personally. I never even met him, yet his death has left me feeling bereft, as if I lost a dear uncle or close family friend. He gave the impression he was an “everyman,” someone we could have to Sunday dinner or chat with if we ran into him at the grocery store. He was immensely likable and easily respected no matter what your politics were. He made me believe in the inherent goodness of people. With his passing, a little of that feeling is gone.

A Man of Character

When I think of Jimmy Carter a few things come to mind that date me immediately. A song that was popular at church and prayer meetings in the ’70s had lyrics that said, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” That describes him so well. Even if he had never professed his faith, I would know he was following the example of another J.C. by how he lived his life. Character does matter.

Also popular in the ’70s were silver bracelets engraved with the letters WWJD, an acronym for “What would Jesus do?”  Jimmy Carter didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk. His life was a testament to serving others, perhaps best exemplified by his work with Habitat for Humanity.  I was involved with Habitat for Humanity in the early ’90s, but most of my work was done by serving on the local board. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Rosalynn were out building houses well into their 90s! There was never a question if Jimmy Carter was doing what Jesus would be doing.

A Committed Marriage

His marriage to Rosalynn was an example of his steadfast commitment and loyalty. Their love story is remarkable. Their parents were friends and neighbors, and when Rosalynn was less than a day old, three-year-old Jimmy came over to meet the newborn neighbor. Rosalynn became close friends with Jimmy’s sister, Ruth, which led to their first date when they were 17 and 20. Jimmy knew immediately that he wanted to marry Rosalynn. They eventually married, and their 77-year marriage is the longest of any presidential couple. Despite his many honors, which include a Pulitzer Prize and being the president of the United States, he said he considered being married to Rosalynn as the best thing that ever happened to him. That statement says a lot about who he was as a man. Rosalynn died in November of 2023.

A Legacy of Integrity

Jimmy left a legacy of integrity I’m not sure we’ll ever see repeated in a president. Maybe it was a simpler time; maybe he was too pure and good for the role of world leader. Perhaps I’ve idealized him too much. No one is without fault, but there was an underlying calm and wisdom that caused me to believe that as long as he was in the world, there would be decency and honesty. I trusted him to always be the voice of integrity, fairness, and kindness. I feel that void deep in my soul.

I’m no longer that innocent 18-year-old college freshman excitedly casting my vote for Jimmy Carter, but my respect and admiration for him are still strong 48 years later. Maybe my strong reaction to his death seems a little odd, but I know I’m not alone in my mourning for the loss of Jimmy Carter. He was a light in the world, and we were lucky to have known a soul like his in our lifetime. Rest in peace, Jimmy. Go and be with your beloved Rosalynn. Thanks for all you have given us and for showing us what a well-lived life can look like.