James Earl Carter, Jr. - 39th President of the United States Biography: Jimmy Carter was well known for his ideas on making Government "compassionate and competant" throughout his career. Jimmy rarely liked to use his whole name, James Earl Carter, Jr. He was born in Plains, Georgia on October 1, 1924. He graduated the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1946 and married Rosalynn Smith. They have three sons. Carter first found himself entering politics in 1962 and he was elected Governer of Georgia eight years later. He became President in 1976. Carter was well liked by many for his aspirations of improving the environment, attempting to tear down racial borders and prompting Government efficiency through civil service reform. Carter was defeated by Ronald Regan in 1980 due partly to inflation in the U.S. and the events in Iran where Americans were being held captive.

<---- Click on the roles listed on the menu bar to read how President Carter carried out each one