Jimmy Carter’s eldest grandchild was born on August 7, 1975. Almost two years later, his grandfather became the 39th president of the United States. While the rest of the Carter family moved into the White House, he remained in Georgia with his parents, Jack and Judy Carter.
Jimmy Carter watches a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Carter watches a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
His early years were shaped by community service, a value deeply rooted in the Carter family. His outgoing personality stood out from a young age, and he quickly became known for his charm and drive. Raised in a household committed to activism, he developed a strong sense of responsibility to help others.
Jimmy Carter at a construction site for Habitat for Humanity on June 1, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Carter at a construction site for Habitat for Humanity on June 1, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
A Legacy of Service: Jason Carter’s Formative Years
Jason Carter was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Although many believe he was born in Calhoun, Georgia, where his parents lived at the time, his birth actually took place in the city’s hospital, which later became part of his state Senate district.
A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family on January 1, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family on January 1, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
His father, Jack Carter, and mother, Judy Langford, were already laying the foundation for the public service ethos that would shape Jason’s life.
While the rest of the Carter family — Jimmy’s daughter Amy and sons Chip and Jeff — moved into the White House after the 1976 election, Jason and his parents remained in Georgia. His father worked at a law firm in Calhoun, and their life there was centered on community and family, which played a big role in Jason’s upbringing.
In 1989, Jason’s parents divorced, marking a significant shift in his childhood. The following year, his mother married Robert Thompson, a pastor at Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois. This brought a new family dynamic, as Jason became part of a blended household.
Their family included his younger sister Sarah and Thompson’s two daughters, Sarah and Leah. Despite these changes, Jason’s commitment to helping others never wavered. Raised in a home where community service was not just encouraged but expected, Jason was exposed to activism early on.
Jimmy Carter with his grandson Jason on November 22, 1976 | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Carter with his grandson Jason on November 22, 1976 | Source: Getty Images
His mother, Judy, worked for the Ounce of Prevention Fund, providing education and healthcare for underprivileged children. His stepfather’s church ran one of the only homeless shelters on the north side of Chicago.
Jason and his siblings regularly participated in these efforts, helping out at racial reconciliation services and other outreach programs organized by their parents.
Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn, daughter Amy and grandson Jason mingle with the crowds on the South Lawn of the White House on April 11, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn, daughter Amy and grandson Jason mingle with the crowds on the South Lawn of the White House on April 11, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
While Jason’s childhood laid the groundwork for his passion for service, his outgoing personality and natural leadership abilities also began to shine through. It wasn’t long before these qualities and his remarkable resemblance to his famous grandfather became even more evident.
Jimmy Carter carries Jason on April 11, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Carter carries Jason on April 11, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Carter’s Determination Shines Through
From an early age, Jason stood out as an outgoing and talkative child. His natural charisma and confidence were apparent even in elementary school, where he set a record selling frozen pizzas during a school fundraiser.
His mother fondly recalls how fearless Jason was in picking up the phone and asking people to support his efforts, a trait not all children his age shared. This drive and determination would continue to shape Jason as he grew up.
Jason Carter hugs is grandfather on October 27, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Carter hugs is grandfather on October 27, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
His early exposure to activism and community service, coupled with his sociable personality, helped mold Jason into the leader he would become. Whether tagging along with his family on charitable projects or taking the initiative in his own pursuits, Jason consistently demonstrated his willingness to step up and make a difference.
Jason Carter campaigns with his grandparents on October 27, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Carter campaigns with his grandparents on October 27, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
His Marriage to Kate Lewis
Jason’s life took another significant turn when he married Kate Lewis, a woman with a passion for journalism and education. The two married after Jason returned to Georgia from a two-and-a-half-year stint in South Africa.
They soon settled in Athens, where Jason enrolled in law school at the University of Georgia, and Kate worked as a reporter for the “Athens Banner-Herald.”
Kate is very much like Jason, as she is committed to serving her community, particularly through her work in education. She found her calling as a teacher at Grady High School, where she advised the student-run newspaper.
Kate and Rosalynn Carter watching Jason hug his grandfather, Jimmy, on stage in Georgia on October 27, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Kate and Rosalynn Carter watching Jason hug his grandfather, Jimmy, on stage in Georgia on October 27, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Known for her enthusiasm, sharp wit, and ability to connect with students, Kate quickly became a beloved figure at the school. However, she stepped away from teaching temporarily in 2014 when Jason ran for governor, a lifestyle she admitted was not for her.
While Kate preferred to keep life at home as normal as possible for their children during Jason’s political campaign, her passion for teaching never truly faded. After quitting her teaching career, she started a business, partnering with a friend.
In 2019, she went back to Grady to continue her teaching career. As Jason pursued his career, balancing family life with public service, the couple’s shared values and dedication to each other only grew stronger.
Jason and Kate’s family grew with the arrival of their two sons, Henry, born in 2006, and Thomas, born in 2008. As working parents, balancing careers and family life was challenging for them. With both of them having demanding jobs, they had to carefully manage their schedules to ensure their boys were always taken care of.
Kate would often supervise the production of the student newspaper at Grady High School, which required late hours. On those nights, Jason ensured he was home early to handle bedtime routines. Their partnership helped them navigate the demands of raising young children while advancing their careers.
Despite their busy lives, the Carters always prioritized family time, creating a strong foundation for their sons. Jason, in particular, drew inspiration from his own upbringing, emphasizing the importance of community service and humility — values passed down through generations of the Carter family.
Jason’s Career as a Lawyer
Though Jason’s career as a lawyer often kept him busy, he has made a name for himself in business litigation, handling high-stakes cases.
Over the years, he has represented plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial cases, often securing significant victories. His work has been widely recognized, with some of his settlements reaching over $100 million.
Jason Carter photographed on November 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Carter photographed on November 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Yet, despite his demanding legal career, Jason always maintained a strong sense of work-life balance. His commitment to his clients was matched only by his devotion to his family, a juggling act he gracefully managed.
As much as Jason has succeeded in his professional and personal life, his striking resemblance to his grandfather continues to capture the attention of those who see him.
Fans of the Carter family frequently comment on how much Jason resembles his grandfather, Jimmy Carter. “He looks a lot like his granddad,” one fan noted. Others have observed that “The grandson has similar eyes, nose, and eyebrows to Jimmy Carter,” with others calling him “handsome.”
Another admirer remarked, “He looks so much like his grandfather,” while others praised his character, saying, “Such a great speaker and funny like his grandpa. I wish he would run for president—loving, kind, raised so beautifully—wish everyone was like Jason Carter.”
Jason Carter accepts a special award on behalf of his grandfather on May 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Carter accepts a special award on behalf of his grandfather on May 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Jason has often spoken about how his grandparents’ values shaped his worldview, particularly regarding faith, honesty, and staying grounded. Despite the power and success they achieved, the former president and first lady never forgot where they came from, a lesson Jason holds close to his heart.
In an interview, Jason shared, “You can reach the pinnacle of power and still keep your integrity and honesty and your faith.” He explained how his grandparents’ humility and commitment to their roots have given him hope, especially when the political landscape often feels divisive.
Jason Carter attends Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Carter attends Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
To Jason, the Carter family’s strength lies not just in their public achievements but in how they’ve managed to stay true to themselves, even under the national spotlight. For him, this has been a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of one’s principles.
