Springfield, Mass. — Congressman Richard E. Neal (D) released the following statement on the passing of former President James Earl Carter Jr.
James Earl Carter, Jr. led a long and distinguished life committed to service and will be remembered for his humble, yet iron-will to do good unto others. Prior to running for elected office, I recall him working with the Habitat for Humanity in the early 1970s, rehabilitating homes throughout the City of Springfield. I had the privilege of meeting President Carter in 1976 at the Springfield Civic Center shortly after accepting the Democratic nomination.
As the 39th President of the United States, President Carter navigated our country through a time of great uncertainty in our nation’s institutions, serving during a post-Watergate, post-Vietnam War era. His remarkable sense of character and selflessness traced back to his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, and he upheld the same values in the Oval Office and throughout his life’s work. Nobody ever disputed Jimmy Carter’s decency.
He left the presidency, only just getting started in his contributions to the world. From championing human rights to eradicating countless diseases and advancing democracy through the Carter Center, President Carter was rightfully awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, modeling for the nation that a helping hand transcends any elected office.
My thoughts are with the entire Carter family during this difficult time. A grateful nation mourns the passing of this remarkable man, public servant, and paragon at age 100.
