Jim Hoops

James M. "Jim" Hoops is a Republican State Representative from Napoleon, Ohio, representing the 81st House District. Born on March 9, 1959, Hoops represents a district encompassing Fulton, Henry, Williams counties, and the northern portion of Defiance County in northwest Ohio.

Hoops has maintained an active presence in his community through various volunteer efforts, including work with the United Way of Henry County, service on the Henry County Senior Center Board of Directors, and as treasurer of the Henry County Humane Society. He is married to Deb and has a daughter Erica, son-in-law Ross, and grandson Hudson.

Education

Hoops graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1977, where he was a standout basketball player and leading scorer in the school's history. He attended Northwestern State University in Louisiana on a basketball scholarship, where he played four years of Division I college basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Computer Programming.

Political Experience

Hoops served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1999 to 2006, representing the 81st District across four terms before becoming term-limited. Prior to his legislative service, he served as Henry County Auditor from 1985 to 1998.

After leaving the legislature, Hoops worked in the private sector, including a role as Associate Vice President of Finance at American Municipal Power, Inc. from 2007 to 2014, where he was part of a team financing over $6 billion in power plant construction projects. He later served as Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Northwest State Community College from 2015 to 2018.

Hoops returned to the Ohio House in 2018, appointed to succeed Rob McColley, and won a full term that year. He currently serves his third full term in this position. In the 135th General Assembly, he was elected majority whip, responsible for monitoring and securing votes on legislation. He currently chairs the House Development Committee and serves on the House Commerce and Labor, Community Revitalization, and Finance committees.