The Carter Legacy Continues: A Deep Dive Into The Lives And Careers Of Jimmy Carter's Three Sons Today

Contents

The three sons of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter have forged unique and impactful paths, carrying forward the family's legacy of public service, business acumen, and intellectual curiosity. As of late 2024, with their father in hospice care and following the passing of their mother, John William "Jack" Carter, James Earl "Chip" Carter III, and Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter remain prominent figures, often speaking about their parents' enduring commitment to humanitarian work and peace. Their lives, spanning careers in law, politics, technology, and activism, offer a fascinating look at the challenges and privileges of being a presidential child long after leaving the White House.

The Carter sons have managed to maintain a relatively private existence while simultaneously serving as the primary stewards of the Carter family narrative. They are key supporters of The Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity, ensuring the humanitarian vision established by their parents continues to thrive. This article explores the distinct biographies and current activities of the three Carter brothers, whose influence extends far beyond the peanut farm in Plains, Georgia.

Jimmy Carter's Sons: Complete Biographical Profiles

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had four children in total: three sons and one daughter, Amy Lynn Carter. The sons, born before their father's political career took off, each experienced the transition to the White House and the subsequent return to private life differently. Below is a detailed look at the three Carter brothers.

  • Name: John William "Jack" Carter
  • Born: July 3, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia
  • Age (as of late 2024): 77
  • Education: Georgia Institute of Technology; Graduate of Emory University Law School
  • Career Highlights: U.S. Navy officer; Businessman; Lawyer; Politician (2006 Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Nevada); Environmentalist.
  • Family: Married to Elizabeth Brasfield (second wife); Jack has two children from his first marriage, Jason Carter (former Georgia State Senator and current Chairman of The Carter Center’s Board of Trustees) and Sarah Carter.
  • Name: James Earl "Chip" Carter III
  • Born: April 12, 1950, in Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Age (as of late 2024): 74
  • Education: Georgia Southwestern College
  • Career Highlights: Political Consultant; Played key roles in his father's presidential campaigns; Lived in the White House with his family.
  • Family: Married to Becky Payne (third wife, since 2001); Has a son, James Earl "Jamie" Carter IV, from his first marriage to Caron Griffin. Chip and Becky reside in Decatur, Georgia.
  • Name: Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter
  • Born: August 18, 1952, in New London, Connecticut
  • Age (as of late 2024): 72
  • Education: George Washington University; Attended Georgia State University
  • Career Highlights: Co-founder of Computer Mapping Consultants (CMC); Technology and business executive; Known as the most private of the Carter children.
  • Family: Married to the late Annette Jene Davis; They had three children, including sons Joshua Jeffrey Carter and Jeremy Davis Carter. Jeff and Annette met while she was a professor at Georgia State University.

The Post-White House Careers: From Politics to Tech Entrepreneurship

Unlike many children of presidents who pursue national politics, the Carter sons largely carved out careers that blended their own interests with the values instilled by their parents. Their professional lives reflect a diverse mix of public service, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Jack Carter: The Politician and Environmental Advocate

As the eldest son, Jack Carter’s career most closely mirrored the public life of his father, though with a distinct focus on the environment and regional politics. After serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from Emory Law School, Jack built a successful career in business and law.

His most notable public venture was his 2006 run for the U.S. Senate in Nevada, where he campaigned on a platform emphasizing renewable energy and environmental conservation, aligning with his environmentalist title. While he did not win the election, his bid solidified his role as a political figure in the American West. Today, Jack and his wife, Elizabeth Brasfield, live in Nevada, remaining connected to political and environmental issues. His son, Jason Carter, has taken on a significant public role as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Carter Center, effectively continuing the family's legacy of global humanitarian work into the next generation.

Chip Carter: The Political Consultant and Family Spokesperson

James Earl "Chip" Carter III has spent his professional life deeply rooted in the political sphere, often working behind the scenes. He was actively involved in his father’s gubernatorial and presidential campaigns, gaining an insider's view of national politics from a young age. His work as a political consultant has allowed him to influence policy and campaigns without the intense public scrutiny of holding office himself.

In recent years, Chip has often served as one of the most public voices for the Carter family, providing updates on his parents' health and reflecting on their unparalleled marriage and public service, especially following Rosalynn Carter's passing in late 2023. He and his wife, Becky, reside in Decatur, Georgia, close to the family's roots and the operations of The Carter Center. His continued involvement ensures that the family's political and humanitarian history is accurately represented to the public.

Jeff Carter: The Quiet Tech Entrepreneur

Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter is often described as the most private of the Carter children, having chosen a career in the technology sector far removed from the political spotlight. While attending George Washington University, he co-founded Computer Mapping Consultants (CMC) in Kingwood, West Virginia. This venture, which began in the late 1970s, focused on blending computer technology with business applications, showcasing Jeff's early adoption of tech entrepreneurship.

His career as a technology executive highlights a lesser-known facet of the Carter family's interests—a connection to innovation and business development. Jeff and his late wife, Annette Jene Davis, raised their family away from the constant media attention, allowing Jeff to quietly build a successful, independent career that remains a testament to self-reliance and technological foresight.

The Enduring Carter Legacy: Humanitarianism and Family Bonds

The true measure of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's influence can be seen in the collective work and values of their children and grandchildren. The sons remain deeply committed to the principles their parents championed, particularly through their support of The Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

The family's commitment to service is perhaps best exemplified by Jack's son, Jason Carter, who now leads The Carter Center’s Board of Trustees. This generational handover ensures that the work on global health, democracy, and peace remains a central focus for the family. The Carter sons' public appearances, often in Plains, Georgia, or at events related to the Carter Center, consistently reinforce the themes of faith, humility, and service that defined their parents' lives.

Whether through political advocacy (Jack), public relations and consulting (Chip), or the quiet innovation of technology (Jeff), each son has found a distinct way to honor the legacy of the 39th President and his beloved First Lady. Their stories are a powerful reminder that the impact of a presidential family extends well beyond a single term in office, continuing to shape American life and humanitarian efforts for decades.

jimmy carter's sons
jimmy carter's sons

Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Adrien Jones DVM
  • Username : tveum
  • Email : friesen.kiera@hickle.com
  • Birthdate : 1991-01-12
  • Address : 631 Andres Extensions Apt. 741 Marquardtland, UT 62081
  • Phone : +1-509-679-0771
  • Company : Nitzsche-Fahey
  • Job : Mechanical Door Repairer
  • Bio : Fuga nam fugiat quidem eius et. Nihil expedita aut autem et ut mollitia. Autem vel porro non labore libero fugit. Aut sunt consectetur iure amet.

Socials

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/abbigail490
  • username : abbigail490
  • bio : Iste similique laboriosam voluptate. Aut facilis cum praesentium voluptatem deserunt labore odit.
  • followers : 5408
  • following : 911

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@abeier
  • username : abeier
  • bio : Voluptates reprehenderit velit voluptatem autem pariatur quisquam commodi.
  • followers : 4810
  • following : 1651

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/beier1970
  • username : beier1970
  • bio : Consectetur dolor est eum velit. Ducimus nostrum et pariatur molestiae fugiat qui. Qui illum quo sed at et atque.
  • followers : 1996
  • following : 2423