Remembering Jimmy Carter: West Virginia, Ohio, federal officials recall former president
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PARKERSBURG -- Reaction was swift from state and federal officers in Ohio and West Virginia following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday.
Carter died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Ga. The peanut farmer who was governor of Georgia became the 39th president of the United States in 1977.
In West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice ordered all West Virginia and U.S. flags at state-owned facilities to immediately be flown at half-mast through sunset Jan. 28.
"President Jimmy Carter faithfully served his country with kindness and compassion. His life was well-lived and he will be missed by all," Justice said. "Cathy and I send our prayers and condolences to the Carter family and ask all West Virginians to join with us.?"
Carter "lived his faith through his public life," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said.
"…and he had one of the most impactful post-presidencies in American history. He dedicated his life to humanitarian work, including the building of housing through Habitat for Humanity, for which he became synonymous," DeWine said. "He founded the Carter Center to support democracy and fight disease across the globe."
DeWine also ordered flags at half-staff until sunset Jan. 28.
U.S. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio and vice president-elect, issued a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country," Vance said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he rest in peace."
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said she respected Carter's devotion to public service.
"His lifetime of service is an example for all of us to follow," Capito said. "May he rest in peace with his beloved Rosalynn."
Carter will forever be remembered for "his gentle soul and his dedication to humanitarian efforts," U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., said.
"Through his volunteerism, President Carter showed a kindness to all humans that should serve as a model for all of us," Manchin said. "He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and he was a distinguished humanitarian and American."
U.S, Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., called Carter a "great man of faith and a public servant who was devoted to the United States."
Carter's presidency was marked by a dedication to human rights, environmental conservation, and peace, Mike Pushkin, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party, said. His leadership in the Camp David Accords brought peace between Egypt and Israel, Pushkin said.
"However, it was in his post-presidency years that Jimmy Carter truly demonstrated the depth of his character and commitment to humanity," Pushkin said.