Childhood and Education Journey of JD Vance in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of JD Vance. From birth to education, explore key events.

J.D. Vance is an American politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran. He served as a U.S. Senator for Ohio (2023-2025) and is currently the 50th Vice President of the United States. A Republican, he also serves as the finance chair of the Republican National Committee. Vance's background includes military service and a career in law and writing before entering politics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

August 2, 1984: James David Vance Born

On August 2, 1984, James David Vance, originally named James Donald Bowman, was born. He later became a politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran.

2003: Enlisted in Marine Corps

In 2003, Vance enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Middletown High School.

2005: Deployed to Iraq War

In 2005, Vance was deployed to the Iraq War for six months in a non-combat role as a military journalist.

2007: Left Military and Studied at OSU

In 2007, Vance left the military and used the G.I. Bill to study at Ohio State University.

2009: Graduated from OSU

In 2009, Vance graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and philosophy.

2010: Entered Yale Law School

In 2010, Vance entered Yale Law School and won a position on The Yale Law Journal and began writing his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

April 2013: Name Change

In April 2013, Vance changed his name to Vance before graduating from Yale.

May 2013: Graduated from Yale Law School

In May 2013, Vance obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School.

2013: Meeting Usha Chilukuri

In 2013, JD Vance met Usha Chilukuri while they were both students at Yale Law School.

June 14, 2014: Marriage to Usha Chilukuri

On June 14, 2014, JD Vance married Usha Chilukuri in Kentucky in an interfaith ceremony.

2014: Grandparents' Surname

In 2014, Hillbilly Elegy states that he adopted his grandparents' surname of Vance upon his marriage.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

June 2016: Published Hillbilly Elegy

In June 2016, Harper published Vance's book, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," which became a New York Times Best Seller.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

September 2016: Considering Conversion to Catholicism

By September 2016, JD Vance described himself as "not an active participant" in any particular Christian denomination but was "thinking very seriously about converting to Catholicism".

December 2016: Planned Move to Ohio

In December 2016, Vance announced plans to move to Ohio and consider starting a nonprofit or running for office.

2016: Initial Opposition to Trump

In 2016, Vance initially opposed Donald Trump's presidential candidacy.

2016: Published Hillbilly Elegy

In 2016, Vance published his bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy", which garnered him national attention.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

2016: Wrote About Scots-Irish Descent

In his 2016 book, Vance wrote about being of Scots-Irish descent.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Check it on Amazon

August 2019: Conversion to Catholicism

In August 2019, JD Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in a ceremony at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2022: Cousin Joins Fight in Ukraine

In 2022, Nate Vance, JD's cousin and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, volunteered to fight for Ukraine after Russia's invasion, serving in the "Da Vinci Wolves" unit.

January 20, 2025: Vance becomes Vice President

At noon on January 20, 2025, JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He also held a meeting with China's vice president Han Zheng before his inauguration.