For the next few years, he and his wife concentrated on raising the necessary $27 million to build The Carter Center, which Carter envisioned as a “conflict resolution” establishment devoted to promoting global peace and human rights. The Carter Center opened in Atlanta in 1982, and has since been involved with revitalization, health improvement, and democracy issues in over 65 countries.

Described as idealistic, hardworking, and unpretentious, Carter has remained the most politically active ex-president in world affairs since Herbert Hoover. Most critics agree that his seemingly tireless efforts have been most effective in the years following his presidency. In 1988, he represented the International Committee of the Red Cross when he requested that the Ethiopian president, Mengistu Haile Mariam, release 220 long-time prisoners of war; his request was granted. That same year, his advocacy resulted in Somalian President Mohammed Siad Barre granting clemency to eight death-row political prisoners. In addition, Carter is a skilled carpenter, and for one week every year since 1984, he and his wife have led the Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to building or renovating shelter for the underprivileged worldwide.

The Carters have four children, John William, James Earl III, Donnel Jeffrey, and Amy Lynn.

Carter is also the author of numerous books about his spiritual and political experiences, most recently the bestselling An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood (2001). .