Illinois and Chicago leaders have joined the chorus of tributes for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100. Among the heartfelt remembrances, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised Carter as an inspirational figure, an "American dream in every way," according to WGN-TV. Mayor Johnson also highlighted the former president's "legacy of love" and continued service in his post-presidential years, particularly with Habitat for Humanity.
Adding to the collective memory, former President Barack Obama reflected on Carter's significant contributions, from his work at Maranatha Baptist Church to his international efforts that "virtually eliminate Guinea worm disease." He wrote, "President Carter's decency. Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did - advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection - things like integrity, respect, and compassion," as stated by ABC7 Chicago.
Illinois Congressman Danny Davis recalled his work with Carter and described him as "a wonderful character," someone embodying humanity and gentleness, as ABC7 Chicago reported. Meanwhile, DePaul University Professor Wayne Steger noted despite Carter's controversial presidency, he was "one of the few good people" intent on doing right sincerely, suggesting a distinction between his political struggles and his personal virtues.
President Carter's legacy also resonates through his over 70-year involvement with the Lions Club, where he helped with vision issues treatment for millions. Lions Clubs International Foundation chairperson Patti Hill described him as "a very down to earth, dedicated, humanitarian," revealing his personal touch in remembering people by name and working alongside others, as described by ABC7 Chicago. Carter also made a tangible difference in Chicago through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in 1986, although the townhomes built then have since been torn down.
