James M. Hoops Biography

State Representative Jim Hoops is serving his fourth full term in the Ohio House, after being appointed during the 132nd General Assembly. He represents the 81st House District, which consists all of Fulton Williams, Henry and counties and the northern portion of Defiance County. Hoops serves as Chair of the 

Hoops was elected to serve as the majority whip for the 135th General Assembly. In his role, Hoops was responsible for monitoring and securing votes for legislation that comes to the House floor.

Hoops previously served in the Ohio House from 1999-2006 and also served as Henry County Auditor from 1985-1998.  He has been appointed by Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) as Chair of the House Development Committee for the 136th General Assembly.  In addition to chairing the Development Committee, Hoops will serve on the House Commerce and Labor, Community Revitalization, and Finance committees.  

A 1977 graduate of Patrick Henry High School, Hoops went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Computer Programming at Northwest State University of Louisiana. He was also employed by American Municipal Power, Inc. from 2007 to 2014 where he served as Associate VP of Finance and was part of a team that financed over $6 billion to construct power plants that included hydro, coal and natural gas. He was employed by Northwest State Community College from 2015 to 2018 as the Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.

He remains active in the community in northwest Ohio, including volunteering for the United Way of Henry County, formerly serving on the Henry County Senior Center Board of Directors and as treasurer of the Henry County Humane Society.

He and his wife, Deb, reside in Napoleon. They have been blessed with daughter Erica, son-in-law Ross and Grandson Hudson.