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 currently serving as the 50th Vice President of the United States since 2025. A Republican, he previously represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate from 2023 to 2025. As Vice President, he also holds the position of finance chair of the Republican National Committee.

Sections (4)

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

August 2, 1984: Born in Middletown, Ohio

On August 2, 1984, James David Vance was born as James Donald Bowman in Middletown, Ohio.

August 2, 1984: James David Vance Born

On August 2, 1984, James David Vance, originally named James Donald Bowman, was born.

2003: Joined the United States Marine Corps

In 2003, Vance joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a military journalist.

2005: Deployed to Iraq War

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

2009: Graduated from Ohio State University

In 2009, Vance graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree.

2010: Entered Yale Law School

In 2010, Vance entered Yale Law School and started writing for FrumForum.

2011: Talk at Yale

In 2011, Vance attended Peter Thiel's talk at Yale.

April 2013: Name Change

In April 2013, Vance changed his name to James David Vance.

May 2013: Graduated from Yale Law School

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

2013: Vance meets Usha Chilukuri

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

2013: Graduated from Yale Law School

In 2013, Vance graduated from Yale Law School with a law degree.

2014: Marriage

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

2014: Vance marries Usha Chilukuri

In 2014, JD Vance and Usha Chilukuri married in Kentucky in an interfaith marriage ceremony.

2016: Opposed Donald Trump's Candidacy

In 2016, Vance initially opposed Donald Trump's candidacy in the election.

August 2019: Vance converts 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, choosing Augustine of Hippo as his confirmation saint.

October 1, 2024: Vice Presidential Debate

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the vice presidential debate was held at 9:00 p.m. EDT at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.

January 20, 2025: Vance Becomes Vice President

At noon on January 20, 2025, JD Vance became the 50th vice president of the United States, sworn into office by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

March 2025: Vance Visits Greenland

In March 2025 JD Vance, in a first for a sitting U.S. vice president, visited Greenland, where he discussed the U.S.'s interest in acquiring Greenland and warned about the encroachment of China and Russia.