Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died on Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Thus ends an extraordinary life. From 1976 to 1980, Carter served a single crisis-ridden term marked by triumph and failure. After leaving the White House, though, he embarked on the most successful post-presidential career in American history.

At the time of his passing at age 100, Carter was a global icon renowned for his humanitarian efforts. He worked to eradicate infectious diseases and built houses for the poor. He established the Carter Center to promote democracy and expand human rights. He traveled to more than 140 countries and conducted peace negotiations and monitored elections. He wrote 32 books. He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. And withal, he taught Sunday school into his mid-90s.