UPDATE: A Clinton, North Carolina man, Jay Kim Carter, proudly reveals his familial connection to the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024. This heartwarming story of family ties comes to light just as the world mourns the loss of the nation’s 39th president.
Jay Carter, a lifelong resident of Clinton, recalls the moment he learned about his connection to Jimmy Carter back in 1972. “My grandfather gathered us at a birthday party and shared the news, saying, ‘You’re related to the governor of Georgia,’” Jay shared. At that time, many family members were unaware of the significance of this revelation.
As history turned, Jay’s curiosity about his relative grew, especially when Jimmy Carter was elected president in 1976. During his research, Jay discovered they shared a common ancestor, Kindred Carter, who migrated from the Isle of Wight in England to Virginia, and eventually settled in North Carolina in the 1700s.
In 1998, Jay reached out to the former president, receiving two heartfelt letters in return. “Instead of using his name in the return address, he wrote ‘Plains Peanuts,'” Jay recalled. The letters detailed their shared lineage, including seven ancestors buried in North Carolina.
In 2001, Jay and his then-wife, Deborah, visited Plains, Georgia, where they attended church services with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Their emotional meeting was a cherished moment, with Jimmy exclaiming, “We’re family, long time no see!” This encounter was not only significant personally but also historically, as it took place amidst tight security from Secret Service agents.
Jay remembers vividly the modest brick home where Jimmy and Rosalynn lived, built in 1968. He even tried to deliver a letter to the former president after the service but had to hand it to an agent instead. “He saw me and said, ‘I remember you: Jay Carter from North Carolina,’” Jay reflected, holding on to the signed copy of Jimmy’s book, “An Hour Before Daylight,” gifted to him during their meeting.
This connection has deeply impacted Jay, who describes Jimmy Carter as humble and down-to-earth. He treasures the memories of their correspondence and meeting, saying, “I had someone tell me I resemble him at my age. I hope that’s true.”
As the world remembers Jimmy Carter’s legacy, Jay Kim Carter’s story serves as a poignant reminder of family connections and the enduring impact of the former president’s life and work.
Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable family story and the legacy of Jimmy Carter that continues to inspire many.
