URGENT UPDATE: A resident of Clinton, North Carolina, has revealed his familial connection to the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024. Jay Kim Carter, a lifelong resident of Sampson County, shared his remarkable story, shedding light on a connection that dates back several generations.
Jay Kim Carter, who first learned of his relation to the 39th president in 1972, recalls a pivotal moment when his grandfather revealed their lineage during a birthday party. “He wanted to share with all of you, you’re related to the governor of Georgia,” Jay recounted, reflecting on a time when Jimmy Carter was still largely unknown to the public.
The connection became undeniable when Jimmy Carter was elected president in 1976. Inspired by his grandfather’s words, Jay began researching their family history. He unearthed ties to an ancestor named Kindred Carter, who migrated from the Isle of Wight in England to Virginia before settling in North Carolina in the 1700s.
In 1998, after reaching out to Carter, Jay received two personal letters from the former president. “He wrote back using ‘Plains Peanuts’ as his return address,” Jay noted, emphasizing the personal touch of the correspondence. Jimmy Carter shared details about seven shared ancestors, all buried in North Carolina, further solidifying their connection.
The highlight of Jay’s journey occurred during a visit to Plains, Georgia, in 2001. He and his then-wife Deborah attended a church service where they finally met President Carter. “The first thing he said to me was, ‘We’re family, long time no see!’” Jay recalled, filled with emotion at the memory. This encounter was surrounded by Secret Service agents, underscoring the former president’s status.
Jay also reminisced about the modest home where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter lived, noting, “He built that house in 1968 and they continued to live there until they died.” A photograph from that day captures the moment near the church’s sign, a cherished keepsake for Jay.
“I had a two-page letter I wanted to give him, but I had to give it to an agent instead,” Jay explained. After the service, the president recognized him, saying, “I remember you: Jay Carter from North Carolina.” As a token of their meeting, Jimmy Carter gifted Jay a signed copy of his book, “An Hour Before Daylight,” detailing his life as a peanut farmer.
Jay Kim Carter’s memories of the former president highlight Jimmy Carter’s humility and down-to-earth nature. “I will always treasure these memories,” he said, expressing pride in their familial link. “I kind of resemble him,” Jay added, with a smile, reflecting on the legacy of the man who served as president and an inspiration to many.
This heartfelt connection not only honors the legacy of Jimmy Carter but also serves as a reminder of how intertwined our histories can be. As the world mourns the loss of a beloved leader, Jay Kim Carter stands as a living testament to the impact of familial ties and the personal stories that connect us all.
For those interested in learning more about Jay’s experience or the Carters’ history, he invites discussions and reflections on their shared lineage.
