Who is James David Vance? A Brief Biography
James David Vance, commonly known as JD Vance, was born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio. Growing up in a low-income family, Vance faced many hardships from an early age. His mother struggled with multiple addiction issues, and after the death of his father, Vance had to take on adult responsibilities to support his family. These difficult experiences played a significant role in shaping his worldview and life. During his youth, he grappled with his family’s financial struggles and the societal problems around him, which had a lasting impact on him throughout his life.
Despite the challenges of his childhood, Vance excelled academically. After graduating from Ohio State University, he went on to attend Yale Law School, a pivotal moment in his life that provided him with substantial opportunities to advance his career. During his time at Yale, he not only achieved academic success but also had the chance to deeply explore social justice and cultural issues. Upon completing his education, he began working in investment banking, the private sector, and later gained experience in venture capitalism.
JD Vance gained national attention with his literary career. His 2016 book, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, was not only a discussion of the plight of America’s working class but also a compelling personal journey. The book delves into the struggles of his own family and the challenges faced by communities in the Appalachian region. Upon its release, Hillbilly Elegy resonated deeply with readers and became a significant work questioning economic and cultural inequalities in American society.
In 2022, James David Vance entered politics by running for the Ohio Senate as a member of the Republican Party. Throughout his candidacy, he drew attention for both his identity as a writer and his experience in business. Vance championed working-class values in politics, aiming to create more economic opportunities and understand cultural conflicts. He was successfully elected to the Ohio Senate in 2022, establishing himself as a prominent figure in politics. With the re-election of Donald Trump in 2024, JD Vance was appointed as Vice President of the United States and began his tenure in 2025.
JD Vance is married to Usha Chilukuri, a lawyer, and they share many common goals and ideologies in their careers. Vance has remained closely connected to the values of family, especially due to the influence of his childhood experiences, and places great importance on familial bonds and strong community connections in his personal life.
James Vance’s life has been shaped by his struggles, determination to succeed, and efforts to raise awareness of societal issues. Beyond Hillbilly Elegy, his personal experiences and deep interest in social problems have made him not only a writer but also an influential politician.
| Name | JD Vance |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James David Vance |
| Birthdate | August 2, 1984 (Thursday) |
| Birthplace | Middletown, Ohio, USA |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Spouse | Usha Chilukuri Vance (Lawyer) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Eye Color | Hazel Blue |
| Natural Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Weight | 85 kg |
| Height | 188 cm (6′ 2″) |
Full Name
James David Vance
Birthdate
August 2, 1984 (Thursday)
Birthplace
Middletown / Ohio / USA
Age
40 years old as of 2025
Spouse
Usha Chilukuri Vance (Lawyer), married on June 14, 2014
Zodiac Sign
Leo
Eye Color
Hazel Blue
Natural Hair Color
Dark Brown
Weight
85 kg
Height
188 cm (6′ 2″)
Education
- The Ohio State University (2007-2009): Major in Political Science and Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Yale Law School (2010-2013): Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Family
- Spouse: Usha Chilukuri Vance (Married on June 14, 2014)
- Children: Ewan (born 2017), Vivek (born 2021), Mirabel (born December 2021)
- Father: Donald Ray Bowman (1959–2023)
- Mother: Beverly Carol (Nurse)
- Siblings: Step-sister Lindsay Ratfliff (Assistant Head Coach at ASICS America Corporation)
Profession
Politician, Retired Marine, Lawyer, Entrepreneur. JD Vance began his term as Vice President of the United States in 2025.
Military Career
- Branch: United States Marine Corps (USMC)
- Rank: Corporal
- Unit: 2nd Marine Air Wing
- Years of Service: 2003-2007
- Military Medals:
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
JD Vance Social Media Accounts
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Traveling
Notable Book
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis (2016)
Fun Facts
- JD Vance’s family has immigrant roots from Scotland and Ireland, with ancestors who settled in America as workers.
- He faced numerous challenges during his childhood due to his family’s struggles.
- JD Vance was nominated by President Donald Trump as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
Career and Political History
- He was elected as the Ohio Senator in 2022.
- In 2025, he assumed the role of Vice President of the United States.
You can read the Turkish version of this article here.