Former President Jimmy Carter remembered for Central Valley work

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local reactions are pouring in following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

ABC News confirmed former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.

This loss comes almost two years after the former President was placed on hospice care in February 2023.

"He was just a fine human being, just a wonderful guy," said Tony Capozzi, a former aide to President Carter.

Capozzi remembers the former President as a down-to-earth, kind politician who deeply cared for people.

"He really wanted to serve people and really wanted to help as much as he could. And I think he had that great heart, and he did whatever he could to help this country," said Capozzi.

After President Carter left office, he focused on working with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity.

"He came because he was dedicated to the mission. And he really wanted to ensure that all families, regardless of their background, had an opportunity to own a home," said Fresno Chapter of Habitat for Humanity CEO Ashley Hedemann.

Hedemann explains that the Carters encouraged roughly 110,000 volunteers during their time at the non-profit.

ABC 30 archive video shows when President Carter visited Merced College in July 1980.

Former Congressman Tony Coelho says he invited President Carter to visit the Central Valley. Coelho said President Carter was eager to visit the area.

"What he was really interested in was what made up the Central Valley. The fact that we had over 50 different ethnic groups in the valley. The fact that we had all these people that came there, that practically all of them came here because of agriculture," said Coelho.

Those who worked closely with the former President hope to remember him as a one-of-a-kind person who loved his family and helping people.

"It was an honor to have known him, to have spoken to him, and to have called him a friend," said Capozzi.

President Carter's wife, Roselyn, died in November 2023 at the age of 96. The two were married for 77 years.

The Fresno Chapter of Habitat for Humanity said they are planning to build seven new homes in Firebaugh in 2025. Officials said it's made possible by the couple's work with the nonprofit.

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