This past Tuesday, the United States saw its 39th President, Jimmy Carter, reach centennial status – the only man to have ever been sworn into the Oval Office to have reached this age. It is a colossal number that highlights his extreme prolonged dedication to his nation, family and faith.

His political journey started long before he became Commander-in-Chief at only 52-years-old, but that pinnacle in his career was assisted by former publisher of the Sullivan County Democrat, the late Fred Stabbert Jr., who sat as an Elector within the Electoral College during the 1976 election. Following Carter all the way to the White House, Fred and Shirley Stabbert witnessed the centenarian’s inauguration; sparking a lasting friendship that would eventually come to benefit various communities in Sullivan County. 

President Carter, alongside his wife of 78 years and best friend, Eleanor Rosalynn, were titan figures who at least twice in their lives made a purposeful stop in Sullivan County to fly fish and raise money for what is now the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum in Livingston Manor. Jimmy’s mother, Miss Lillian, was also no stranger to Sullivan County, as she attended the dedication of Holy Cross Church in Callicoon, at the behest of family friend Father Anthony Moore, OFM, who was also from Plains, GA. 

The Carters were truly friends to Sullivan County.

One moment that comes to mind to exhibit well their Southern charm was a brief respite at the Autumn Inn, formerly owned by the late Donald Molusky. The couple enjoyed lunch, and the seat that held up the president was later enshrined with a plaque immortalizing his presence there. It was not unlike the First Family to embrace small town America, and go to great lengths to assist anyone in any way they could. 

Most famously, Carter’s work for Habitat for Humanity is just one example of his shining heart as a politician and as a fellow countryman.

Interestingly enough, President Carter was born closer to the deaths of Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (d. 1826) than the present day, and as of February 18, 2023, he has been in Hospice care. We wish him all the comfort and peace this world can provide as a reward for the humanitarian-focused lifestyle he has led throughout his life in public service.

Happy belated birthday, Mr. President. Like those who famously served the office before you, your legacy will surely ring out through the centuries to come.