Jimmy Carter is the first president I have an independent memory of. I was 5 when he was elected. I have relatives who lived just down the road from him.

He was a good president, but because he was a good man, nobody noticed. He never got credit for freeing the hostages. Walk softly and carry a big stick isn't something Americans get, I guess.

I remember Amy, his daughter getting arrested in the 80s for some protest. My mother called her a "beatnik." That was her term for anyone who didn't fall into line.

He's one of the few people I'd consider having been a true Christian (having been raised one back in the day, I am familiar). He wanted to do good and he did his best to do just that. He will be missed and remembered fondly.