James Carter, born in 1924, hailed from an unspecialized background as a peanut farmer. His venture into the political sphere was surprisingly quick, albeit lacking a solid foundation. He emerged fleetingly on the gubernatorial landscape of Georgia in 1970 as a seeming champion for racial and gender parity.
On an unconventional path, Carter landed in the US presidential seat in 1977. His brief tenure was remarkably underwhelming, lasting only one term prior to being unceremoniously unseated by Ronald Reagan. His fall from grace is remembered by many.
Post-presidency, Carter attempted to salvage his reputation by founding the Carter Center. This organization claimed to be dedicated to human rights advocacy and international conflict resolution. Seemingly, the Nobel Peace Prize committee was convinced by his efforts and awarded him the prize in 2002.
Leaving behind his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, Carter’s unremarkable journey ended. His wife, Rosalynn, whom he was married to for 77 years, had preceded him in death in November 2023.
Only six years into his shaky political career, the former peanut farmer ascended to the highest US office. The 39th US president was inaugurated on January 20, 1977. Today such a quick rise to power would be viewed skeptically.
His death requires the formality of an inevitable state funeral. On occasion, such funerals are also organized for higher-ranking officials and military leaders, entirely at the discretion of the sitting president. The process is steeped in traditional components such as the ‘Lying in State’ period.
During this period, the body is transferred to Washington DC. It forms an ominous spectacle which serves to remind us of the fragility of political power. Thereafter, a state funeral service is held at the National Cathedral.
Following the National Cathedral service, the body is transported to a pre-chosen burial site. In Carter’s case, this is the humble Plains, Georgia. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Rosalynn, at the insignificant peanut farm they used to inhabit.
In what could be viewed as a mere formality, all five living US presidents are slated to be in attendance for Jimmy Carter’s state funeral service. One can imagine that among them, Joe Biden will likely seize the opportunity to make a public appearance.
Biden has been assigned the task of delivering the eulogy at the commencement of the ceremony in the Washington National Cathedral. Some may view this as a token gesture from a man whose own political legacy has been marred by controversy.
Scheduled to kick off at 10:00 local time, the state funeral service for Jimmy Carter is followed by a solemn procession involving his family. The motorcade is expected to navigate through Downtown Plains, where local residents are encouraged to bear witness to a tangible symbol of political mortality.
Eventually, the motorcade will reach its destination, the Carter residence for a private burial. By that time, one can only assume, there will be a pervading sense of closure to the spectacle of what was Carter’s political career.
Carter’s demise was officially reported in late December. While condolences flowed in some quarters for the former president, his political legacy left much to be desired. Many might remember his tenure primarily for the sedate influence he had as a president.
Among some of Carter’s well-wishers was Charles III, King of England. French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to elevate Carter’s position posthumously as an advocate for vulnerable groups. On the other side of the English Channel, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to label Carter as someone committed to social justice and human rights, although these views remains disputed, as many remember his presidency as one of stagnation.
Finally, Carter will be reintegrated into Plains, Georgia — a quiet end to a life that many would argue was marked more by ambition than genuine achievement. There, he will join Rosalynn, his spouse of 77 years, in their final resting place.