The Carter Family Tree: A Deep Dive Into Jimmy Carter’s 4 Children And 25 Grandchildren Continuing His Legacy

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in late 2024, and his beloved wife, the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter, built one of the most enduring and impactful families in American political history. The foundational question of "how many children did Jimmy Carter have" is simple—the answer is four—but the legacy they created extends far beyond that number, encompassing a sprawling network of 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who actively continue their mission of public service and global health in 2025. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the four Carter children and the next generation carrying the family torch.

The Carter family’s commitment to service, from their time in the White House to their decades of work with The Carter Center, has been a defining characteristic of their public life. Their four children, three sons and one daughter, each forged their own paths in business, law, politics, and activism, ensuring the Carter name remains synonymous with civic engagement in Georgia and worldwide.

Jimmy Carter's Immediate Family: The Four Children

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter’s family life was rooted in Plains, Georgia, but their children were born in various locations due to Jimmy’s career as a naval officer. They raised three sons and one daughter, all of whom have lived lives marked by a unique blend of privacy and public service.

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1. John William "Jack" Carter (Born 1947)

Biography & Profile:

• Full Name: John William Carter
• Born: July 3, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia
• Parents: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter
• Education: Georgia Institute of Technology (Nuclear Physics), University of Georgia School of Law
• Career: U.S. Navy officer, businessman, lawyer, political candidate
• Political Involvement: Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nevada (2006)
• Notable Descendants: Son Jason Carter (prominent politician and Carter Center Chairman)

The eldest of the Carter children, Jack Carter, has had a diverse career spanning military service, law, and politics. After graduating with a degree in nuclear physics, he served in the U.S. Navy. His professional life transitioned into law and business, but he also followed his father into the political arena, though his own bid for the U.S. Senate in Nevada was unsuccessful. Jack Carter’s son, Jason Carter, is arguably the most prominent of the Carter grandchildren, actively leading the family’s non-profit legacy. Jack's life has been a testament to the family's commitment to education and civic duty.

2. James Earl "Chip" Carter III (Born 1950)

Biography & Profile:

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• Full Name: James Earl Carter III
• Born: April 12, 1950, in Honolulu, Hawaii
• Parents: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter
• Education: Attended Georgia Southwestern College
• Career: Political consultant, campaign organizer
• Political Involvement: Played a key role in his father’s political campaigns, including the 1976 presidential run
• Role in Family Legacy: Continues to be involved in political consulting and maintaining the family's public image

James Earl Carter III, known as "Chip," was born while his father was stationed in Hawaii with the Navy. Chip Carter was a central figure in his father's political rise, working on the successful 1976 presidential campaign. His career has remained closely tied to the political sphere, often working as a political consultant. Chip Carter has maintained a lower public profile in recent years compared to his siblings, but he remains a crucial member of the extended Carter family, often appearing at family events and supporting the initiatives of The Carter Center.

3. Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter (Born 1952)

Biography & Profile:

• Full Name: Donnel Jeffrey Carter
• Born: August 18, 1952, in New London, Connecticut
• Parents: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter
• Education: George Washington University (Geography)
• Career: Computer mapping specialist, businessman, co-founder of Computer Mapping Consultants
• Current Status (2025): Recently disclosed health challenges

Donnel Jeffrey Carter, or "Jeff," is the third son and was born on his mother's birthday. Jeff carved out a unique career path, specializing in geography and co-founding Computer Mapping Consultants, a firm that utilized his expertise in advanced mapping technology. This work allowed him to pursue a career largely outside the immediate political limelight. In a recent and poignant update in late 2024, it was disclosed that Jeff Carter had been diagnosed with an illness, a personal challenge that the entire Carter family has rallied to support. This news highlights the private struggles that even a family dedicated to public service must face.

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4. Amy Lynn Carter (Born 1967)

Biography & Profile:

• Full Name: Amy Lynn Carter
• Born: October 19, 1967, in Plains, Georgia
• Parents: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter
• Education: Brown University, Tulane University (Master's in Art History)
• Career: Political activist, academic, children's book illustrator
• White House Tenure: The only child to live in the White House as a minor (age 9-13)
• Activism: Known for her involvement in political activism, including anti-apartheid and Central American policy protests

Amy Carter is the only daughter and the youngest of the four children. She became a familiar face to the American public as the only child to live in the White House during her father's presidency, often seen reading a book or spending time with her father. As an adult, Amy has maintained a quiet, academic life, focusing on her passion for art history and social activism. Her activism has been a significant part of her identity, involving protests against U.S. foreign policy and social injustices. Amy has often shied away from the spotlight, preferring to focus on her family and her work as an academic and children's book illustrator.

The Prolific Carter Family Legacy: Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

The question of "how many children did Jimmy Carter have" opens the door to a much larger, vibrant family tree. In total, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are survived by their four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, totaling 25 direct descendants across the second and third generations. The entire extended family, including spouses, numbers 38, a testament to the Carters’ commitment to a strong, close-knit family life.

This extensive lineage is not merely a number; it represents a powerful continuation of the Carter legacy. Many of the grandchildren have embraced the family's ethos of public service, with several holding key positions in The Carter Center and state politics. The family's enduring mantra has always been to stay connected, which they accomplished through frequent reunions and a shared commitment to global humanitarian work.

Jason Carter: The Standard-Bearer of the New Generation

Among the grandchildren, Jason Carter, son of Jack Carter, stands out as the most visible figure continuing the political and humanitarian work of his grandparents. Born in 1975, Jason is a lawyer and former Georgia State Senator, demonstrating the family's deep roots in Georgia politics. He ran for Governor of Georgia in 2014, showcasing his dedication to public office.

In 2025, Jason Carter's primary role is as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Carter Center. This position is critical, as it places him at the helm of the organization that represents the culmination of his grandparents' life work in global peace, health, and democracy. His leadership ensures that the mission to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope remains robust and relevant in the post-Jimmy Carter era. His recent public statements, including his role in the 2024 Democratic National Convention, show a continued, active role in the national conversation, echoing his grandfather's commitment to a better world.

Other Notable Descendants and the Family's Unity

While Jason Carter is the most public face, other grandchildren are also deeply involved in the family's legacy:

• Sarah Carter: Daughter of Jack Carter, she is known for her work in public health and education.
• James Carter IV: Son of Chip Carter, he has also been involved in political consulting and campaign work, often supporting Democratic causes.
• Jeremy Carter: Another grandchild who has maintained a connection to the family's humanitarian efforts.
• Amy Carter's Son: Amy's son, Hugo James Wentzel, has also drawn some public attention as a member of the younger generation.

The Carter family is a powerful example of a multi-generational commitment to public service. The four children of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—each navigated the unique challenges of growing up as a presidential child, forging careers that ranged from law and business to activism and technology. Today, their collective legacy is best seen in the 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, led by figures like Jason Carter, who are ensuring that the Carters’ decades of humanitarian work through The Carter Center will continue to shape global policy for years to come. The initial four children were just the beginning of a remarkable American family story.