Former President Jimmy Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

The Carter Center announced the 39th, and longest-lived president, in U.S. history died peacefully at his home in Plains, Ga., surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his children – Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild preceded him in death.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter in a statement. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

In a statement, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said that America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

“Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” the Bidens said. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”

President Biden also announced an official state funeral and National Day of Mourning will take place Jan. 9, 2025, to honor Carter.

Local reactions

Here in New Jersey, remembrances and tributes continue to pour in from leaders and officials.

“President Jimmy Carter was a man whose tremendous faith was equaled by his sense of moral courage and purpose. He saw a nation scarred by Watergate and sought to heal its wounds and restore its faith,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement, continuing, “He saw the promise for peace in the Middle East and took the first steps toward that elusive goal, including personally brokering a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. He saw a world imperiled by the threat of nuclear war and endeavored to protect it.”

Beyond his public office accomplishments, Murphy said it is what Carter did when he did not have an official title that solidified his place among our nation’s greatest citizens.

“He served in the United States Navy with distinction. And he committed his life after the White House to charitable endeavors large and small to better our world – to promote peace, to fight disease, and to house the homeless, among so much else,” Murphy continued. “We pray that, in rest, President Carter will be reunited with his beloved wife Rosalynn. And we are sending our prayers, as well, to their children Jack, James II, Donnel, and Amy, along with their families, and all who had the pleasure of knowing President Carter through the years.”

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man of unparalleled moral courage, faith, and humanity,” said acting Gov. Tahesha Way. “His life taught us what it means to lead with compassion and purpose.”

‘A dedicated public servant’

“Today we lost a dedicated public servant,” said U.S. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District. “As a Naval Academy graduate and Navy veteran, President, and a humanitarian, President Carter answered the call of duty every day of his life. The nation will forever be grateful for his service, patriotism, compassion, and integrity. Our country and the world have been blessed by his life and work. I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Carter family during this time.”

“President Carter helped negotiate the Camp David Accords, created the Department of Education, and worked to advance democracy and human rights around the globe,” said U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st District. “His selfless work inspired me to get involved in government. Today, I join the entire country in mourning the loss of one of our nation’s great leaders.”

“In his youth, few probably every fathomed the lasting imprint this son of Plains, Georgia would leave on the world,” Murphy closed his statement. “He proved that good people, wanting nothing more than to do good, can excel in politics and life. And, as he leaves us, we are forever grateful.”