The passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29, 2024, has sparked tributes worldwide, as people honor the legacy of a man who had a reputation for his integrity and commitment to public service.
On Jan. 9, Carter’s funeral service was held at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The ceremony included prayers and reflections on his dedicated service to the United States.
Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died peacefully at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he lived after his presidential life. After his presidency, he devoted himself to humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center, working on global health, human rights, and peace initiatives.
“He built houses for people who needed homes,” Carter’s grandson, Joshua Carter, said. “He eliminated diseases in forgotten places. He waged peace anywhere in the world, wherever he saw a chance. He loved people.”
Some of Carter’s many accomplishments include creating the Department of Education, generated funding to the Social Security system by establishing new taxes, and appointing people of color to the government. Moreover, Carter helped establish the Camp David agreement in 1978, which resolved the conflict between Egypt and Israel.
As the world mourned Carter’s death, former presidents Bill Clinton (with his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton), Barack Obama, George W. Bush (with his wife Laura Bush), President-elect Donald Trump (with his wife Melania Trump), and current President Joe Biden (with First Lady Jill Biden) came together in a heartfelt tribute to the man whose lifetime of service had inspired many. In addition to the presidents, Vice President Kamala Harris attended the service with her husband Doug Emhoff, and former vice president to Donald Trump, Mike Pence.
Along with the global grief of Carter’s death, much of the Niles North community was deeply shocked by his passing. While many students may not remember the details of his presidency they may recall his warm personality consistently demonstrated through his life.
“I don’t know much about him but it was really shocking [that] he died,” junior Sugra Tahir said. “But what I can tell you is that he was a good man with good intentions.”
Sophomore Michaela Paramben has similar opinions with Tahir.
“Jimmy Carter was a really nice man,” Paramben said. “Many people around me have a lot of good things to say about him like his great accomplishments made to the U.S.”
Carter’s passing leaves an impact on communities like Niles North. His humanitarian efforts may serve as an inspiration for future leaders and those who seek to help others.
