Jimmy Carter funeral today: Suburban Chicago family coordinated former president's Washington D.C. services after death

WASHINGTON (WLS) — The funeral service honoring the life and accomplishments of former President Jimmy Carter was organized by a family that originates from the Chicago suburbs.

Rick Jasculca, a Chicago public affairs executive, worked for and with Carter for years, and considered him family.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It was a somber day that included stories of Carter that brought laughs, as well as tears.

Thursday was a national day of mourning to honor and remember Carter; President Joe Biden delivered a eulogy.

“Biden remarked, “Throughout his lifetime, he exemplified the essence of being a doer of righteous deeds, a devoted and dutiful follower of God and the people.”

The event served as an opportunity for the entire nation to unite, setting aside political differences to join the Carter family in reminiscing about the enduring influence of the 39th president.

“They were small town people who never forgot who they were and where they were from, no matter what happened in their lives,” grandson Jason Carter said.

Jasculca worked on Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign, and did advance work when Carter became president.

He later joined his daughters, Lauren and Aimee, and son, Andrew, working with the Carter Center.

The four family members served as overall coordinators of the ceremony Thursday in Washington, D.C.

Jasculca reflected on the ceremony before returning to Chicago.

“It was really beautiful. You know, I think it really captured the totality of Jimmy Carter,” Jasculca said.

It was a sentiment echoed often during Thursday’s ceremony.

“He had the courage and strength to stick to his principals, even when they were politically unpopular,” Jason Carter said.

Jasculca considered Carter a second father, who became dear to his entire family.

“My grandkids call me ‘Bop’; that’s their name for me. And they call President Carter ‘Bop Jimmy,'” Jasculca said.

Jasculca said, during their ceremony, he had a few moments. But, the emotions really hit him after.

“But, when we got to Andrews Air Force Base, and I knew this was the last time, you know, I’d be able to say goodbye, I just I, I’ll be honest, I bust out crying on the tarmac,” Jasculca said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
‘Severance’s Sarah Bock Unpacks Miss Huang’s Wild Season 2 Ride, From The Severed Floor To Svalbard

‘Breaking Down Miss Huang’s Eventful Season 2 Journey in Severance, from the Severed Floor to Svalbard, with Sarah Bock’

When Miss Huang was initially introduced as the enigmatic new deputy manager…
DHS agents search two students' rooms at Columbia University, leaving interim president 'heartbroken'

DHS agents search the rooms of two students at Columbia University, causing sadness to the interim president

Homeland Security agents recently conducted searches in the rooms of two students…
Missing American college student search potentially complicated by power outage: expert

Witness Provides Details of Encounter with Missing American College Student at Beach

In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a significant witness related to the disappearance…
Pausing pollution protection: EPA could roll back decades of regulations; state, environmental groups fear loss of federal funding

Potential Reduction of Pollution Regulations by EPA Raises Concerns among States and Environmental Organizations about Possible Funding Cuts

The Environmental Protection Agency, responsible for safeguarding the environment, faces potential major…
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni 'secrets' to be made public as bitter legal war gets MAJOR update

New developments in legal battle reveal undisclosed information from Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively’s protective order in her legal battle against Justin Baldoni will…
Columbine victim's 2025 death ruled a homicide after injuries from school shooting contributed to sepsis

“Columbine Victim’s 2025 Death Declared a Homicide Due to Sepsis Linked to School Shooting Injuries”

A woman who was partially paralyzed during the 1999 mass shooting at…
Illinois AG Kwame Raoul says office not backing down from lawsuits against Trump administration despite budget limits

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul remains committed to pursuing lawsuits against Trump administration despite budget constraints

Even though President Donald Trump has been in power for two months,…
Subtle signs Vanessa was pining after Tiger as their romance is revealed

Indications Vanessa had feelings for Tiger as their relationship unfolds

According to an exclusive report by DailyMail.com, Vanessa Trump and Tiger Woods…
Bonnie Blue sparks outrage after landing five-figure endorsement deal with software company

Bonnie Blue creates controversy by signing lucrative sponsorship deal with tech firm

Bonnie Blue is going from the bedroom to the boardroom. The notorious…
Chad Michael Murray’s ‘Freakier Friday’ Character Is All Grown Up With Steamy Entrance In Sequel Trailer

Chad Michael Murray’s Character from ‘Freaky Friday’ is now a matured with a sizzling entrance in the sequel trailer.

Disney has finally dropped the trailer for the highly anticipated Freaky Friday…
The TRUTH behind Meghan's 'recommissioned' second Netflix series, according to the Mail's Royal experts

Insight into Meghan’s renewed second Netflix series, as explained by the Royal experts at The Mail

Despite being panned by critics as ‘toe-curling’ and ‘an exercise in narcissism’,…
Pelosi Shivs Schumer After He Caves on Shutdown, Jeffries Refuses to Comment If He Should Stay Leader

Pelosi Criticizes Schumer After He Gives In on Shutdown; Jeffries Keeps Mum on Whether He Should Remain Leader

Tensions escalated among top Democratic leaders on Friday when former Speaker Nancy…