Jimmy Carter funeral: 'His spirit fills' the Carter Center, Jason Carter says

ATLANTA - Jason Carter delivered a heartfelt eulogy for his grandfather, former President Jimmy Carter, during a ceremony on Saturday. The former president’s grandson, who serves as the chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the profound connection between the Carter Center and his grandfather’s enduring legacy pointing out that the institution is more than a museum.

"We’ll have many chances this week to pay tribute to my grandfather, but it was important for all of us that we stop here. These buildings, as you all know, are filled with his life," Carter told the room full of dignitaries, including many of the Carter Center staff.

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"This is a museum to his life, and not just because there’s a collection here of his beloved paintings, but his spirit fills this place. And the real reason that this spirit fills this place is because of the people who are standing here," Carter continued.

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Jason Carter praised the staff and supporters of the Carter Center, calling them the "real keepers" of his grandparents’ legacy. "The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum holds the historical legacy, tells my grandparents’ story, which is really this unbelievable American story," he said. "You hold it and you present it for my kids, and for their kids, and for all of those other generations to come."

His grandfather won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize due to the work of advancing human rights and public health done at the Carter Center. "People at the Carter Center, you continue the vibrant, living legacy of what is my grandfather’s life’s work," he said. "Your track record will continue to drive a world where people can participate in free, fair, and credible elections. A world where the rule of law and human rights are respected and enjoyed not just by some people, but by everyone."

He highlighted the organization’s work in eradicating diseases like trachoma and river blindness and strengthening health systems in marginalized communities. "That is the work that gets done in this place, in these buildings," he said.

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Jason Carter described the difficulty of losing his grandfather but expressed gratitude to the Carter Center team. "All of us have been thinking about this day and planning for it for a long time, but it is obviously still hard for all of us," he admitted. "While we mourn my grandfather’s passing, I know in my heart—and you all do—that legacy will live on."

Closing his remarks, Jason Carter addressed the staff directly. "On behalf of my family, to the people in this room and to your colleagues and our colleagues across the world that work with the Carter Center, thank you for what you have done for him, for what you’ve done for my grandmother, and for what you continue to do for the world."

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