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 the 50th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump, and as a U.S. Senator representing Ohio from 2023 to 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (4)

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

August 2, 1984: Birth of James David Vance

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

2003: Joined Marine Corps

In 2003, Vance joined the Marine Corps after high school.

2005: Deployed to Iraq

In 2005, Vance was deployed to the Iraq War for six months while serving in the Marine Corps.

2007: Left the Marine Corps

In 2007, Vance left the Marine Corps after serving as a military journalist.

2007: Began Studies at Ohio State University

In 2007, Vance left the military and began studying political science and philosophy at Ohio State University.

2009: Graduated from Ohio State University

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

2013: Met Usha Chilukuri at Yale Law School

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

2013: Name change to Vance

In 2013, Vance changed his name to Vance as he was about to graduate from Yale.

2013: Graduated from Yale Law School

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

2014: Mentioned Name Change in Hillbilly Elegy

Although Hillbilly Elegy mentions that Vance adopted his grandparents' surname of Vance upon his marriage in 2014, the name change actually occurred in 2013.

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

Check it on Amazon

2014: Married Usha Chilukuri

In 2014, J.D. Vance and Usha Chilukuri married in Kentucky in an interfaith ceremony, she being Hindu and he Christian. The wedding included a Bible reading by Vance's friend and a blessing by a Hindu pandit.

June 2016: Published "Hillbilly Elegy"

In June 2016, Harper published Vance's book, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis."

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

Check it on Amazon

September 2016: Considering Conversion to Catholicism

In September 2016, J.D. Vance was "not an active participant" in any particular Christian denomination, but was "thinking very seriously about converting to Catholicism".

December 2016: Planned Move to Ohio and Consideration of Nonprofit or Running for Office

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

2016: Published "Hillbilly Elegy"

In 2016, Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy", was published.

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

Check it on Amazon

2016: Shift in Political Stance

In 2016, after initially opposing Donald Trump's candidacy, Vance became a strong supporter during Trump's presidency.

August 2019: Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic Church

In August 2019, J.D. Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in a ceremony at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, Ohio. He chose Augustine of Hippo as his confirmation saint and cited intellectual and political alignment as reasons for his conversion.