James Riddle Hoffa was a prominent figure in the American labor movement, serving as the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) from 1957 to 1971. His tenure was marked by both significant victories for the union and controversies regarding his alleged connections to organized crime. Hoffa's disappearance in 1975 remains unsolved, adding to the mystique surrounding his life and legacy.
1903: Founding of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the union that would become synonymous with Jimmy Hoffa, was founded in 1903.
1907: Daniel J. Tobin's Presidency Begins
Daniel J. Tobin began his long tenure as president of the Teamsters in 1907, a position he would hold for several decades.
1920: Death of John Hoffa, Jimmy Hoffa's Father
Tragedy struck Jimmy Hoffa's family in 1920 when his father, John Hoffa, died from lung disease. Jimmy was only seven years old at the time.
1932: Jimmy Hoffa Becomes a Union Organizer
By 1932, Jimmy Hoffa had become a union organizer with Local 299 of the Teamsters in Detroit, demonstrating his dedication to improving working conditions and his natural leadership qualities.
1933: The Teamsters Had 75,000 Members
In 1933, the Teamsters had 75,000 members, a number that would dramatically increase under Hoffa's leadership in the coming decades.
1936: Teamsters Membership Grows to 170,000
By 1936, due in part to Hoffa's efforts to consolidate local trucker groups, the Teamsters' membership had grown to 170,000, showcasing his effectiveness as an organizer.
September 25, 1937: Jimmy Hoffa Marries Josephine Poszywak
Jimmy Hoffa married Josephine Poszywak on September 25, 1937. They had met during a laundry workers' strike, highlighting Hoffa's early involvement in labor activism.
1939: The Hoffas Purchase a Home in Detroit
In 1939, Jimmy and Josephine Hoffa purchased a modest home in Detroit, signifying a period of stability and growth for their young family.
December 1946: Jimmy Hoffa Becomes President of Local 299
In December 1946, Jimmy Hoffa was elected president of Local 299 of the Teamsters, further solidifying his position within the union's hierarchy.
1951: Teamsters Membership Surpasses One Million
By 1951, the Teamsters' membership had surpassed one million, a testament to the union's growth and influence during the post-World War II era.
1952: Jimmy Hoffa's Responsibilities Expand as Vice-President
Following his election as vice-president of the IBT in 1952, Jimmy Hoffa's responsibilities expanded, requiring him to travel more frequently and spend time in Washington, D.C.
1952: Jimmy Hoffa Becomes National Vice-President of the IBT
Jimmy Hoffa rose through the ranks of the IBT to become national vice-president in 1952, a testament to his growing influence within the organization.
1952: IBT Convention in Los Angeles
The 1952 IBT convention in Los Angeles proved to be a pivotal moment in Jimmy Hoffa's career, as he was selected as national vice-president.
1955: IBT Headquarters Moves to Washington, D.C.
In 1955, the IBT moved its headquarters from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C., signaling the union's growing influence in national politics and policy.
March 14, 1957: Hoffa's Arrest for Bribery
On March 14, 1957, Jimmy Hoffa was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe an aide to the Select Committee. He denied the charges and was later acquitted.
March 1957: Dave Beck Testifies Before the US Senate Select Committee
In March 1957, Dave Beck, Jimmy Hoffa's predecessor as president of the Teamsters, appeared before the US Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in Labor or Management Field, where he invoked the Fifth Amendment numerous times.
1957: Jimmy Hoffa Elected President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
In 1957, Jimmy Hoffa was elected president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), a position of significant power and influence.
1957: AFL-CIO Expels the IBT
In 1957, the AFL-CIO voted to expel the IBT amid allegations of corruption under Hoffa's leadership, a significant blow to the union's standing.
1960: IBT's Previous Endorsement of Nixon
The IBT's endorsement of Nixon in 1972 wasn't unprecedented, as the union had also supported him in the 1960 presidential election, despite usually favoring Democratic candidates.
1960: Kennedy's Election and Focus on Organized Crime
John F. Kennedy's election as president in 1960 led to the appointment of his brother Robert as Attorney General, who had previously attempted to convict Hoffa and now pursued a strong attack on organized crime.
1961: Jimmy Hoffa Re-elected as President of the Teamsters
Despite ongoing investigations and legal challenges, Jimmy Hoffa was re-elected as president of the Teamsters in 1961, demonstrating his continued support within the union.
1961: Robert Kennedy's "Get Hoffa" Squad
As Attorney General in 1961, Robert Kennedy continued his pursuit of Jimmy Hoffa, forming a dedicated squad of prosecutors and investigators to target him.
1962: Hoffa's Conspiracy Trial in Nashville
In 1962, Jimmy Hoffa faced a conspiracy trial in Nashville, Tennessee, which later led to accusations of jury tampering.
May 1963: Hoffa Indicted for Jury Tampering
In May 1963, Jimmy Hoffa was indicted for jury tampering in Tennessee, accused of attempting to bribe a grand juror during his 1962 conspiracy trial in Nashville.
March 4, 1964: Hoffa's Conviction for Jury Tampering
On March 4, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of jury tampering in Tennessee for the attempted bribery of a grand juror during his 1962 conspiracy trial.
July 26, 1964: Hoffa's Conviction for Conspiracy and Fraud
On July 26, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa faced another trial in Chicago, resulting in his conviction for conspiracy, mail fraud, and wire fraud related to the improper use of the Teamsters' pension fund.
1964: Hoffa Appeals Convictions
Following his convictions in 1964, Jimmy Hoffa spent the next three years appealing the rulings, with his legal team taking the cases to the U.S. Supreme Court.
1964: Expansion of the Teamsters Under Hoffa
Following his re-election in 1964, Jimmy Hoffa focused on expanding the Teamsters' membership, aiming to bring in airline workers and other transport employees.
1964: Jimmy Hoffa Convicted on Multiple Charges
In 1964, Jimmy Hoffa faced legal trouble and was convicted of charges including jury tampering, attempted bribery, and fraud, leading to a significant setback in his career.
1964: National Master Freight Agreement Secured
In 1964, under Hoffa's leadership, the IBT secured the first national agreement for teamsters' rates with the National Master Freight Agreement, a major victory for the union and its members.
March 7, 1967: Hoffa Begins Prison Sentence
After years of appeals, Jimmy Hoffa began serving his combined 13-year prison sentence (eight years for bribery and five years for fraud) on March 7, 1967, at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary.
1967: Jimmy Hoffa Imprisoned
Jimmy Hoffa's legal troubles culminated in his imprisonment in 1967, where he began serving a 13-year sentence.
1967: Fitzsimmons as Acting President and Shift in Dynamics
When Hoffa was imprisoned in 1967, Frank Fitzsimmons became acting president of the Teamsters. However, Fitzsimmons gradually distanced himself from Hoffa's influence, causing friction between them.
1970: Publication of "The Trials of Jimmy Hoffa"
Prior to his autobiography, Hoffa had published "The Trials of Jimmy Hoffa" in 1970, documenting his legal battles.
June 19, 1971: Hoffa Resigns as Teamsters President
While still imprisoned, Jimmy Hoffa resigned from his position as president of the Teamsters union on June 19, 1971.
July 9, 1971: Fitzsimmons Elected Teamsters President
Following Jimmy Hoffa's resignation, Frank Fitzsimmons was elected as the president of the Teamsters union on July 9, 1971.
December 23, 1971: Hoffa's Release from Prison
On December 23, 1971, President Richard Nixon commuted Jimmy Hoffa's prison sentence, leading to his release after serving less than five years of his 13-year term.
1971: Jimmy Hoffa Resigns as President of the Teamsters
In 1971, Jimmy Hoffa resigned as president of the Teamsters as part of a deal to commute his prison sentence for charges related to jury tampering and fraud.
1971: Nixon's Restriction on Hoffa's Union Activities
The clause restricting Hoffa's union involvement, drafted in 1971 at Nixon's behest, became a point of contention in the court proceedings, highlighting the political maneuvering surrounding Hoffa's situation.
1972: IBT Endorses Nixon's Re-election
Following Hoffa's release and the IBT's receipt of a substantial pension settlement, the union endorsed Richard Nixon, a Republican, for his re-election bid in 1972.
1973: Hoffa Seeks Provenzano's Support
In 1973, seeking to regain his position, Hoffa approached Anthony Provenzano, a former ally turned rival, for support. Provenzano refused and threatened Hoffa.
1973: Watergate Scandal and John Dean's Testimony
By mid-1973, John Dean had gained notoriety for his role as a government witness in prosecutions stemming from the Watergate scandal, adding another layer of complexity to Hoffa's legal battle.
1973: Hoffa's Plan to Reclaim Teamsters Leadership
By 1973, despite restrictions imposed on his involvement with labor unions, Jimmy Hoffa was already strategizing his return to the helm of the Teamsters.
1974: Court Proceedings and Depositions
In 1974, as part of Hoffa's lawsuit to overturn the restriction on his union involvement, depositions took place, involving individuals like John Dean, who had drafted the clause at Nixon's request.
1974: Provenzano's Refusal and Threats
In 1974, Anthony Provenzano, a powerful figure with alleged ties to organized crime, reiterated his refusal to support Hoffa's return to power, further escalating the tension between them.
July 30, 1975: Disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa
Jimmy Hoffa disappeared on July 30, 1975, marking the beginning of one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. He was last seen outside a restaurant in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and his disappearance remains unsolved.
October 1975: Unsuccessful Search for Hoffa's Remains
In October 1975, an attempt to locate Hoffa's remains in Waterford Township, Michigan, based on an anonymous tip, proved unsuccessful.
December 4, 1975: Witness Testimony Implicates Provenzano Associates
On December 4, 1975, a federal investigator in Detroit revealed in court that a witness had identified three men associated with Provenzano - Thomas Andretta, Salvatore Briguglio, and Gabriel Briguglio - as participants in Hoffa's alleged abduction and murder.
1975: Evidence Linked to Giacalone's Son
In 1975, a maroon 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham, belonging to Anthony Giacalone's son, became a key piece of evidence in the investigation into Hoffa's disappearance.
1975: Hoffa's Autobiography and Comeback Attempt
In 1975, facing opposition to his return to national leadership, Hoffa focused on a local comeback with Detroit's Local 299. He also worked on his autobiography, "Hoffa: The Real Story," published after his disappearance.
1975: Approximate Time of Hoffa's Disappearance
Jimmy Hoffa vanished in 1975, with the exact circumstances remaining a mystery.
1975: Joseph Giacalone's Car Implicated
The "Hoffex Memo" points to Joseph Giacalone's maroon 1975 Mercury as potentially involved in Hoffa's disappearance, with evidence suggesting Hoffa was present in the car.
January 1976: FBI Briefing on Hoffa Case
The FBI held a briefing in January 1976 to discuss the Hoffa case, using the "Hoffex Memo" as a key document.
1976: Mafia Opposition to Hoffa's Return Highlighted
The 1976 "Hoffex Memo" emphasizes the Mafia's opposition to Hoffa's attempted comeback in the Teamsters, viewing it as a threat to their influence.
1978: Hoffa Inspires Character in "F.I.S.T."
The 1978 film "F.I.S.T.", starring Sylvester Stallone, features a character named Johnny Kovak who is reportedly based on Jimmy Hoffa.
March 6, 1980: Hoffa's Restriction on Union Involvement
Nixon's commutation included a condition preventing Hoffa from engaging in labor organization management until March 6, 1980, which Hoffa contested.
September 12, 1980: Josephine Hoffa's Death
On September 12, 1980, Jimmy Hoffa's wife, Josephine Hoffa, passed away. She was laid to rest at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.
1980: Ban on Jimmy Hoffa's Union Activities Lifted
After his release from prison, Jimmy Hoffa remained barred from union activities until 1980, a restriction he fought to overturn.
July 30, 1982: Jimmy Hoffa Declared Legally Dead
Seven years after his disappearance, on July 30, 1982, Jimmy Hoffa was declared legally dead. This declaration, while expected, fueled further speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding his fate.
December 9, 1982: Jimmy Hoffa Declared Legally Dead
Several years after his disappearance, on December 9, 1982, Jimmy Hoffa was declared legally dead by Oakland County, Michigan Probate Judge Norman R. Barnard. The date of his death was determined to be July 30, 1982.
1982: Legacy of Jimmy Hoffa and Debate Over Disappearance
The circumstances surrounding Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance in 1975 and his subsequent legal declaration of death in 1982 continue to be a subject of debate and speculation.
1984: Hoffa's Influence Seen in "Once Upon a Time in America"
The character of James Conway O'Donnell, a syndicalist portrayed by Treat Williams in Sergio Leone's 1984 film "Once Upon a Time in America," is said to be inspired by Jimmy Hoffa.
1989: FBI Claims Knowledge of Hoffa's Fate
In 1989, Kenneth Walton, leading the FBI's Detroit office, stated that the agency knew what happened to Hoffa but couldn't prosecute due to the need to protect informants.
1991: Arthur A. Sloane's Theory on Hoffa's Murder
In 1991, Arthur A. Sloane's book "Hoffa" presented the prevailing FBI theory that Russell Bufalino ordered the murder. The theory suggests Salvatore Briguglio, Gabriel Briguglio, Thomas Andretta, and Charles O'Brien participated in luring Hoffa from the restaurant.
1995: Hoffa Appears in James Ellroy's "American Tabloid"
James Ellroy's 1995 novel "American Tabloid", part of his Underworld USA Trilogy, features a fictionalized version of Jimmy Hoffa as a significant supporting character.
2000: Death of Stephen Andretta
Stephen Andretta, brother of Thomas Andretta and a suspected figure in Hoffa's disappearance, reportedly died of cancer in 2000.
2001: DNA Match Found in Joseph Giacalone's Car
In 2001, the FBI discovered a DNA match between a strand of Hoffa's hair and a hair found in Joseph Giacalone's car. However, it was acknowledged that Hoffa could have been in the vehicle on a different occasion.
2001: Hoffa Returns in Ellroy's "The Cold Six Thousand"
Jimmy Hoffa's fictionalized counterpart makes a reappearance in "The Cold Six Thousand" (2001), the second installment of James Ellroy's Underworld USA Trilogy.
2003: Hoffa's Disappearance Used for Humor in "Bruce Almighty"
The 2003 comedy "Bruce Almighty" uses Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance as a plot device, with the main character, imbued with God-like powers, using his abilities to locate Hoffa's body for a sensational news story.
2004: MythBusters Investigates Giants Stadium Theory
The "MythBusters" episode "The Hunt for Hoffa," aired in 2004, explored the rumor of Hoffa's body being buried at Giants Stadium using ground-penetrating radar. The search yielded no evidence of human remains.
2004: Frank Sheeran's Confession in "I Heard You Paint Houses"
The 2004 book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt presents Frank Sheeran's confession to killing Hoffa. Sheeran, an alleged mob hitman, claimed to have shot Hoffa at a Detroit house. However, the veracity of his account has been challenged.
June 16, 2006: Release of the "Hoffex Memo"
The Detroit Free Press published the full "Hoffex Memo" on June 16, 2006, revealing a 56-page FBI report on the Hoffa case. The memo suggests Hoffa's murder was orchestrated by organized crime figures threatened by his return to the Teamsters.
2006: Richard Kuklinski's Jailhouse Confession
Richard Kuklinski, in a posthumously published biography, claimed involvement in Hoffa's kidnapping and murder as part of a four-person team. His claims have been widely dismissed as false.
2010: Giants Stadium Demolition Confirms No Remains
The demolition of Giants Stadium in 2010 confirmed the absence of any human remains, further dispelling the rumor surrounding Hoffa's burial site.
2012: Investigation in Roseville, Michigan
Acting on a tip, police in Roseville, Michigan, in 2012, examined soil samples from a driveway where a witness claimed to have seen a body buried around the time of Hoffa's 1975 disappearance. The tests did not reveal any human remains.
January 2013: Tony Zerilli's Claims
In January 2013, Tony Zerilli, a reputed mobster, suggested that Hoffa was initially buried in a temporary grave with plans to move his body later. Zerilli claimed the relocation never happened, and Hoffa's remains were left in a field in Oakland County, Michigan.
June 17, 2013: FBI Search in Oakland Township, Michigan
Based on information provided by Tony Zerilli, the FBI conducted a search on a property in Oakland Township, Michigan, owned by Jack Tocco, on June 17, 2013. Despite three days of investigation, no human remains were found.
2017: James Buccellato's Theory on Hoffa's Murder Location
In 2017, James Buccellato proposed that Hoffa was likely killed at the residence of Carlo Licata, situated approximately one mile from the restaurant where he was last seen.
2018: Franzese Reiterates Claims, Mentions Recorded Evidence
In 2018, Michael Franzese reiterated his claims about possessing knowledge of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance, adding that he has a recorded tape that reveals the truth. He again suggested that Hoffa's body is submerged, stating "it's wet" and "it's deep."
April 2019: Michael Franzese Claims Knowledge of Hoffa's Disappearance
In April 2019, Michael Franzese, a former Colombo crime family capo, claimed in an interview to know details about Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance, including the location of his body and the identity of the alleged killer. He hinted at the body's location being submerged in water or buried at a significant depth.
2019: Scott Burnstein's Analysis of Provenzano's Role
Crime historian Scott Burnstein, in 2019, argued that Provenzano's involvement in Hoffa's disappearance was likely limited to acting as a lure.
2019: Death of Thomas Andretta
Thomas Andretta, considered a suspect in the Hoffa case and a reputed Genovese crime family associate, passed away in 2019.
October 2021: FBI Investigates Landfill Based on Deathbed Confession
In October 2021, based on a deathbed confession of a landfill worker who claimed to have buried Hoffa's body in a steel drum, the FBI obtained a warrant and conducted a site survey at a landfill beneath the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City, New Jersey.
2021: Ongoing Search for Hoffa's Body
As of 2021, searches for Hoffa's remains continue in the Detroit area. A prevailing theory suggests his body was cremated.
July 2022: FBI Concludes Landfill Search, Finds No Evidence
In July 2022, after an extensive site survey conducted in the previous year, the FBI announced that their search of the landfill beneath the Pulaski Skyway yielded no evidence related to Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance.