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 who served as the 50th vice president of the United States and as a U.S. Senator representing Ohio from 2023 to 2025. Affiliated with the Republican Party, Vance also held the position of finance chair of the Republican National Committee while serving as vice president.

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. He is now known as an American politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran who served as the 50th vice president of the United States.

2007: Studies at Ohio State University

In 2007, J.D. Vance left the military and began studying at Ohio State University using the G.I. Bill.

2009: Graduation from Ohio State University

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

2010: Entry to Yale Law School

In 2010, J.D. Vance entered Yale Law School and won a position on "The Yale Law Journal". Amy Chua persuaded him to write Hillbilly Elegy during his first year.

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

Check it on Amazon

2011: Meeting with Peter Thiel

In 2011, J.D. Vance initiated a rapport with Peter Thiel after attending his talk at Yale.

April 2013: Legal Name Change

In April 2013, J.D. Vance legally changed his name, adopting his grandparents' surname of Vance.

May 2013: Graduation from Yale Law School

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

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.

June 14, 2014: Married Usha Chilukuri

On June 14, 2014, J.D. Vance and Usha Chilukuri married in Kentucky in an interfaith ceremony. Jamil Jivani did a Bible reading and a Hindu pandit blessed the couple.

2014: Marriage and Surname Adoption

In 2014, J.D. Vance stated he adopted his grandparents' surname upon his marriage, although this occurred in April 2013.

September 2016: Considering Converting to Catholicism

By 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: Plans to Move to Ohio

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

2016: Initial Opposition to Donald Trump

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

2016: Publication of Hillbilly Elegy

In 2016, J.D. Vance published his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy", which became a bestseller and brought him national attention.

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

Check it on Amazon

2016: Hillbilly Elegy publication

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

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

Check it on Amazon

August 2019: Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic Church

In August 2019, J.D. Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, Ohio, choosing Augustine of Hippo as his confirmation saint.

2020: Our Ohio Renewal advisory board

In 2020, Keith Humphreys, Jamil Jivani, Yuval Levin, and Sally Satel remained on the advisory board of Our Ohio Renewal.

2021: Closure of Our Ohio Renewal

By 2021, Our Ohio Renewal closed with sparse achievements.

2022: Cousin Volunteered to Fight for Ukraine

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

August 2024: Backtracked on Voting Power Suggestion

In August 2024, J.D. Vance backtracked from his previous suggestion that parents should have more voting power than non-parents.

2025: Cousin Criticized JD's Stance on Ukraine

In 2025, Nate Vance criticized JD's stance on Ukraine, accusing him and Trump of aiding Russia. Nate expressed disappointment that JD didn't consult him for insights on the war.