Jimmy Carter death: Family reflects decades-long relationship with late president, well known for work with Habitat for Humanity

CHICAGO (WLS) — A local family with long-standing connections to former President Jimmy Carter is warmly reminiscing about him. The family’s ties with the humanitarian and 39th president go back several years.

Their relationship with Carter extended beyond just professional collaborations in the White House and worldwide. It was a bond so strong that it felt like they were part of the same family.

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

“He was like a second grandpa for me,” Andrew Jasculca.

Andrew reflected on Carter and the years he spent working as an advance team leader for The Carter Center.

“His dedication to peace missions, election monitoring, and his overall caring nature shone through in everything he did. He genuinely wished the best for everyone he encountered. This sentiment was evident every time we journeyed together,” Andrew shared.

Andrew first met Carter when he was young when his father was working for The Carter Center on the advance team.

Rick Jasculca, a public affairs CEO based in Chicago, first did advance work for Carter starting in 1975, when Carter first campaigned for president. It is a business and personal relationship that continued for nearly 50 years.

“It’s more than you know, just the privilege of the assignment of serving the former president and first lady, and their very important work. They’re really family,” Rick said.

Carter is well known for his work with Habitat for Humanity, coming to Chicago in 1986 to help build homes here. Rick was part of that team.

“So, his legacy is understanding the human condition and spending his lifetime dedicated to improving the human condition for everybody,” Rick said.

Carter would later become a dear family friend, seen in a photo holding some of Rick’s grandchildren.

READ MORE | Rosalynn Carter remained her husband’s rock of support to the end

“When my wife passed away in 2010, the first call I got was from Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, and that meant the world to me,” Rick said.

Carter came back to Chicago in 2014 to give the speech at an event honoring Rick for his years of public affairs work.

But it was a previous trip here in Chicago, when Carter asked to have Rick’s mother visit him at his hotel, that stands out.

“She and the Carters spent an hour and 15 minutes, and I was in the other room, and I was, they were telling stories,” Rick said. “I will never forget that, because that at its core, what were Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.”

Andrew, who has dozens of pictures on his phone of his trips with the Carters, remembers the last time he saw the former president, at Rosalynn’s funeral last year.

“As his wheelchair was loading into the car, we just kind of made eye contact. And, you know, we held hands for a second, and he got into the to the car and drove away,” Andrew said.

It was special moment with a special man who left his mark on people here and around the globe.

RELATED | Obamas, Illinois and Chicago leaders share tributes for late former President Jimmy Carter

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3 Episode 1 Recap: Back in Bosch-ness

Recap of Episode 1 from Season 3 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’ – Returning to the World of Bosch

In the first season of “Bosch: Legacy,” Maddie Bosch, portrayed by Madison…
Val Kilmer, 'Top Gun' and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65

“Remembering Val Kilmer: Talented Actor Known for Intense Performances in ‘Top Gun’ and Batman Passes Away at 65”

Val Kilmer, the actor known for his roles as Iceman in “Top…
Ohio State Highway Patrol investigating small plane crash, pilot dead

Investigation into small plane crash by Ohio State Highway Patrol, pilot fatalities reported

Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating after a small plane crashed in…
Suspected California Walgreens killer had 'grudge' against pharmacies, police say

Police indicate that the individual suspected of the Walgreens shooting in California harbored resentment towards pharmacies.

The suspected gunman who opened fire inside a California Walgreens on Tuesday…
Val Kilmer’s life in photos before his death at 65

A look back at Val Kilmer’s life through pictures before passing away at 65

Val Kilmer, the Hollywood film star who starred in “Top Gun” and…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward alderman pick

“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Endorses Anthony Joel Quezada for 35th Ward Alderman”

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has chosen Cook County Commissioner Anthony Joel…
Covenant School trans shooter plotted Nashville attack for years, kept notebooks with plans: final report

“Final Report: Shooter at Covenant School Had Been Planning Nashville Attack for Years and Kept Detailed Notebooks with Plans”

A homemade shirt made by Audrey Hale and found in her bedroom.…
Wisconsin election results today: Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat over Brad Schimel, cementing liberal majority

Susan Crawford defeats Brad Schimel in Wisconsin Supreme Court election, securing liberal majority

MADISON, Wis. — The candidate supported by the Democrats won the election…
'Park bench Karens' accuse pregnant mom of disrespecting THEIR special spot in expletive-laden tirade

‘Women on Park Benches’ accuse pregnant mother of disrespecting THEIR spot in angry outburst

A pregnant mother was left humiliated when two ‘Karens’ mercilessly berated her,…
Bonnie Blue reveals next eye-watering sex stunt... but it may be physically impossible to achieve

Bonnie Blue shares her latest jaw-dropping sexual feat… but it might be too challenging to actually do

Controversial OnlyFans sensation Bonnie Blue is getting ready to take on her…
NANCY GRACE was so disturbed by bride-to-be's 'suicide' that she launched an investigation. Her findings were more chilling than she ever imagined

Nancy Grace investigates bride-to-be’s ‘suicide’ and uncovers shocking truths

I remember the first photo I saw of Ellen Greenberg with her…
Orland Park, IL 2025 election results: Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau concedes to challenger Jim Dodge, buoyed by Arab American vote

“Orland Park, IL 2025 Mayoral Election: Challenger Jim Dodge Wins Over Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau with Support from Arab American Community”

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Orland Park is getting a new mayor…