James Earl Carter, Jr., known as Jimmy, was born on October 1, 1924 in the small town of Plains Georgia. He was the oldest of four children. His mother, Lillian Carter, was a nurse and his father, James Earl Carter, Sr., was a famer and business man. Jimmy was public school educated and graduated from Plains High School. He married Rosalynn Smith Carter on July 7, 1946. Jimmy graduated from the Naval Academy in 1947 and was a lieutenant in the navy on nuclear submarines. He gave up his commission with the Navy and returned to Plains following the death of his father in 1953. He was 29 years old at the time. Jimmy Carter did not consult with Rosalynn about this decision for them as a couple to return to Plains to help with his family business. He has said it was a mistake not to include his wife in the decision and that he always consulted with her in all future decisions. Jimmy went to work in the family business of peanut farming and was successful at it before turning his attention to running for public office.
One of the most memorable things about Jimmy Carter is his more than 75 year marriage to Rosalynn Carter. One of the most interesting things is that Jimmy's mother, Miss Lillian Carter was a nurse and delivered Rosalynn. Three days after she delivered baby Rosalynn, Jimmy's mother took him over to Rosalynn's mother's house to show him the new baby. Jimmy was three years old at the time. He met Rosalynn when she was only 3 days old. Both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia. They had four children together and attended the Baptist church.
Carter Center Tribute to the Life of Rosalyn Carter
Biography of Rosalynn Smith Carter from Whitehouse.gov First Ladies Biographies
Time Magazine Article about Jimmy Carter's Secret to Living to 99
Politico Article Jimmy Carter Celebrating 99th Birthday with Family
People Magazine Jimmy Carter's Meaningful Last Months
Jimmy Carter's Advice on a Good and Lasting Marriage
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Share Secrets to their 75 Year Marriage