The Enduring Legacy: A Complete Look At Jimmy Carter's Four Children And 38-Member Family In 2025

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The Carter family remains one of the most prominent and dedicated political dynasties in American history, even following the recent passing of its patriarch. As of late 2025, the family continues to uphold the deep-rooted values of peace, human rights, and public service established by former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter. Their sprawling family tree—which includes four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren—is a testament to a long life dedicated to family and global humanitarian work, with many members actively leading the charge at The Carter Center and in their own professional fields. The family’s unified presence during the recent state funeral proceedings in January 2025 highlighted the powerful bond that continues to define this remarkable clan from Plains, Georgia.

The former president, who became the longest-lived chief executive in U.S. history, left behind a legacy that is not just political, but deeply personal, centered on his decades-long marriage and the close-knit community of his hometown. This article offers an in-depth, current look at the lives, careers, and contributions of the four Carter children and the most notable members of the next generations who are now the torchbearers of their extraordinary family name and mission.

A Complete Family Biography: The Children of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter

President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who were married for 77 years until her passing, raised three sons and one daughter. Each has carved out a distinct path, blending business, politics, and environmental advocacy while remaining committed to the family's humanitarian focus.

  • John William "Jack" Carter (Born July 3, 1947): The eldest son of the Carters, Jack pursued a career that spanned the military, business, and politics. He served in the U.S. Navy and later became a successful businessman and investment consultant. He has also been a political figure, notably running for a U.S. Senate seat in Nevada. Jack is the father of Jason Carter and Sarah Carter.
  • James Earl "Chip" Carter III (Born April 12, 1950): Known as "Chip," the second son was born in Honolulu while his father was stationed in the Navy. Chip was deeply involved in his father's political campaigns and later worked as a political consultant. He served as President of The Friendship Force, an international cultural exchange program. He is the father of James Carter IV.
  • Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter (Born August 18, 1952): The third son, Jeff, is a technology and business entrepreneur. He co-founded Computer Mapping Consultants, a firm that specialized in blending technology with business applications. Jeff and his late wife, Annette Davis, had three sons.
  • Amy Lynn Carter (Born October 19, 1967): The only daughter and youngest child, Amy was a fixture in the White House as a child, often seen roller skating in the halls. After the presidency, she became a political activist and earned a master's degree in art history. Amy currently lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, John Joseph "Jay" Kelly, whom she married in 2007. They have two sons.

The Next Generation: Grandchildren Leading The Carter Center Legacy

The Carter family’s commitment to public service has seamlessly transitioned to the next generation. The 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren are now carrying forward the values instilled by their grandparents, particularly through The Carter Center, the non-profit organization focused on advancing peace and health worldwide.

Among the most active and recognizable of the grandchildren is Jason Carter, the son of Jack Carter. A former Georgia State Senator, Jason now serves as the highly influential Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Carter Center. His leadership role ensures that the Center’s mission—from election monitoring to disease eradication—continues to thrive in the post-Presidential era. Jason’s public reflection on his grandfather's life and legacy has positioned him as a key voice for the family.

Another prominent grandson is James Carter IV, the son of Chip Carter. James has gained recognition for his work in political research and data analysis, continuing the family's deep involvement in the political landscape. His contributions often focus on the meticulous detail required in campaign and electoral integrity, a core tenet of The Carter Center's international work.

The family’s collective presence in Plains, Georgia, remains a powerful symbol of their enduring bond. Even after the passing of both Jimmy and Rosalynn, the family continues to gather and maintain the close-knit atmosphere that defined their lives. This dedication to their roots and to the principles of human rights ensures that the Carter name will remain synonymous with global service for decades to come.

The Impact of Rosalynn Carter’s Advocacy and the Family’s Future

The legacy of the Carter family is inseparable from the pioneering work of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Her groundbreaking advocacy for mental health and caregiving is a crucial part of the heritage that the children and grandchildren are now protecting. Her passing in 2024, followed by President Carter’s in late 2025, marked the end of an era, but cemented the family’s resolve to continue their collective mission.

The family’s emphasis on the importance of mental well-being is now a central pillar of The Carter Center’s work, influenced directly by Rosalynn’s decades of effort to destigmatize mental illness. This focus ensures that the family’s humanitarian efforts address not just physical ailments but also the critical need for mental health support worldwide. The children and grandchildren, including Amy Carter, who has been involved in activism, now serve as public advocates for these causes.

A Network of Influence and Enterprise

Beyond the direct work of The Carter Center, the family has established a broad network of influence through various enterprises and non-profit affiliations, creating a robust topical authority in several sectors:

  • Business and Technology: Jeff Carter’s background in Computer Mapping Consultants highlights the family’s reach into the technology sector.
  • Political Consulting and Activism: Chip Carter’s work with The Friendship Force and Jack Carter’s political campaigns demonstrate continuous involvement in global relations and domestic politics.
  • Academia and Art: Amy Carter’s pursuit of a master’s in art history and her activism reflect the family’s commitment to intellectual and social causes.
  • The Great-Grandchildren: With 14 great-grandchildren, the newest generation is growing up immersed in the family's culture of service. While many are still young, their sheer number ensures the Carter name will remain influential well into the mid-21st century, continuing the traditions of community and global citizenship.

The Carter family, now led by the four children, remains a powerful force for good. Their unity and dedication to the principles of their parents—humility, service, and unwavering faith—are the foundation upon which the next chapter of their remarkable legacy will be written. The ongoing work of the family is a poignant reminder that while the President and First Lady may be gone, their mission is far from over.

jimmy carter family
jimmy carter family

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