The former president Jimmy Carter lives in a house worth $210,000 and shops at the local Dollar General!
James Earl Carter Jr.: A Humble Life Dedicated to Service
James Earl Carter Jr., born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, had a remarkable journey that exemplifies humility and devotion to service. Despite coming from a successful business background, he chose a path of public service and demonstrated his commitment through various roles in the military, presidency, and post-presidential life.
Early Life and Education
Born to James Earl Carter Sr., a prosperous businessman and investor, and Bessie Lilian, a nurse at the Wise Sanitarium, James Earl Carter Jr. grew up in Plains, Georgia. He attended a local high school from 1937 to 1941, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
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Military Service and Meeting Rosalynn
Driven by his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps, who served in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps during World War I, Carter enrolled in the Naval Academy in 1943. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Rosalynn, through his sister Ruth. Reflecting on their relationship, Carter expressed his compatibility with Rosalynn in the book What Makes a Marriage Last by Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas.
Marriage and Family Life
After graduating from the Naval Academy, Carter and Rosalynn tied the knot in 1946. Following his retirement from the Navy, Carter focused on his family and the family business. In 1961, he built a ranch-style house for his wife and four children, providing them with a much-needed home. Notably, this house also became his residence after leaving the White House, as Carter chose to return to his roots instead of capitalizing on his presidential status for financial gain.