Searches for “James Carter obituary” lead to many different men, but the best-known person is James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr., the 39th president of the United States. He died on December 29, 2024, at age 100. This page covers his life, his death and funeral, and how to tell his obituary apart from the many others with the same name.
Latest Update: October 1, 2026
As of October 1, 2026, nothing new has been verified about Jimmy Carter’s death or burial. He died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29, 2024, after nearly two years in hospice care, according to Wikipedia’s account of his death. Today, October 1, 2026, would have been his 102nd birthday.
Many other men named James Carter have published obituaries in 2026. Those are separate people. Check the age, city and date before sharing any link.
Who Was James “Jimmy” Carter?
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the United States and earlier as the 76th governor of Georgia. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work after leaving office. At 100 years and 89 days, he was the longest-lived U.S. president and the first to reach 100.
Background / Early Life
Carter was born on October 1, 1924, and his hometown was Plains, Georgia. His 100th birthday on October 1, 2024, was his last public appearance, when he watched a military flyover. His father was James Earl Carter Sr. (1894 to 1953), a businessman and politician. After Carter’s death, his funeral motorcade stopped at his boyhood home in nearby Archery, Georgia, where the National Park Service saluted him and a farm bell rang 39 times.
Career Path
Navy and Education
Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy. Wikipedia notes he is the only Naval Academy graduate to become commander in chief.
Governor and President
Carter ran for governor of Georgia in 1970 and served as the state’s 76th governor. He defeated President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election and served as president from 1977 to 1981. Walter Mondale was his vice president, and Andrew Young served as his ambassador to the United Nations.
After the Presidency
Carter founded the Carter Center in Atlanta. He later became well known for his work with Habitat for Humanity. His post-presidency work earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. Wikipedia reports that he had been the earliest-serving living former president since Gerald Ford died in 2006.
James Carter Age
Carter died at 100 years and 89 days old. Had he lived, he would have turned 102 on October 1, 2026. The calculation is 2026 minus 1924, which is 102.
Illness, Death and Funeral
After several years of health problems, including melanoma that spread to his brain and liver, the Carter Center announced on February 18, 2023, that he would receive hospice care at home. He died on December 29, 2024, at about 3:45 p.m. Eastern time, according to his son James E. “Chip” Carter III.
His remains lay in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta from January 4 to 7, 2025, and then lay in state at the U.S. Capitol from January 7 to 9. President Joe Biden declared January 9, 2025, a national day of mourning, and the state funeral was held that day at Washington National Cathedral. Biden delivered the eulogy, and all five living presidents attended. A private service followed at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, and Carter was buried privately at his home in Plains. The Secret Service ended its protection on January 10, 2025, and Wikipedia says he was its longest-serving protectee.
James Carter Family and Parents
The sources I reviewed name his father as James Earl Carter Sr. His mother is not named in the sources I checked for this page.
James Carter Wife / Partner
Carter’s wife was Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady. She entered hospice care on November 17, 2023, and died two days later at age 96. Carter attended her funeral. In a 2019 interview with People, he said the secret to his long life was a good marriage.
James Carter Children
Carter had four children, according to the funeral guest list on Wikipedia: John William “Jack” Carter, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter and Amy Carter. His grandsons Jason, Joshua and James IV took part in the funeral service.
James Carter Education
He graduated from the United States Naval Academy. His other schooling is not covered in the sources I reviewed for this page.
James Carter Religion
Carter was a Baptist. He was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, and he taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., during his presidency, according to Wikipedia.
James Carter Net Worth and Height
I did not find a reliable, verified figure for either one, so neither is stated. Treat any net-worth number on a third-party website as an estimate.
Quick Table
| Full Name | James Earl Carter Jr. (“Jimmy” Carter) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1924 |
| Date of Death | December 29, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 100 years, 89 days |
| Hometown / Place of Death | Plains, Georgia |
| Occupation | 39th U.S. president; 76th governor of Georgia |
| Known For | Presidency, Carter Center, 2002 Nobel Peace Prize |
| Education | United States Naval Academy |
| Spouse | Rosalynn Carter (died November 19, 2023) |
| Children | Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy |
| Religion | Baptist (Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains) |
| Funeral | Washington National Cathedral, January 9, 2025; private burial in Plains |
Reader Questions
Who is James Carter?
The best-known James Carter is Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president. Many other men named James Carter have obituaries, and they are separate people.
When did Jimmy Carter die?
He died on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at age 100.
How old was Jimmy Carter?
He was 100 years and 89 days old, making him the longest-lived U.S. president.
How did Jimmy Carter die?
He died at home after nearly two years in hospice care. He had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain and liver.
Where was Jimmy Carter buried?
He was buried privately at his home in Plains, Georgia, after a state funeral in Washington and a service at Maranatha Baptist Church.
Who was Jimmy Carter married to?
He was married to Rosalynn Carter, who died on November 19, 2023, at age 96.
Does Jimmy Carter have children?
Yes. He had four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy.
Wrap-Up
Jimmy Carter’s death in December 2024 came after a long public life that included military service, a governorship, a single term as president and decades of humanitarian work. The Carter Center and his Nobel Peace Prize are central to how many people remember him.
If you are looking for a different James Carter, the name is common enough that a city, age or funeral home is usually needed to find the right obituary.
As of October 1, 2026, Jimmy Carter’s death on December 29, 2024, is confirmed, and no new development has been verified.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information reviewed on October 1, 2026. Details that could not be verified are labeled as such, and it does not cover the many other people named James Carter.
