James P. Hoffa

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For other uses, see Hoffa (disambiguation).

Image:James R. Hoffa and James P. Hoffa NYWTS.jpg

James P. Hoffa with his father in 1965

James Phillip Hoffa (born May 19, 1941), is the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He is the only son of Jimmy Hoffa, who was also a president of the Teamsters, and his wife, Josephine Poszywak. He is the brother of Judge Barbara Ann Crancer.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Hoffa established himself as a leader as early as his high school years while attending Cooley High School. There, he became a member of the National Honor Society, and an all-city and all-state football player.

Hoffa holds a degree in economics from Michigan State University (1963) and a law degree (LL.B) from the University of Michigan Law School (1966). Hoffa was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship to work in the Michigan State Senate as an aid to senate and house members doing constituent relations and research. Hoffa is a member of Alpha Tau Omega.

Hoffa was an attorney for the Teamsters from 1968 to 1993. A member of the Teamsters since his 18th birthday (1959), he ran for president in 1996, losing to Ron Carey. He became president of the Teamsters on March 19, 1999, after Carey was barred from running for his role in Teamstergate.

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A billboard supporting Hoffa in 1998. Still standing in Detroit as of July 2006.

Hoffa has a wife, Virginia, and two sons, David and Geoffrey.