Jim Jordan was raised in Champaign County, Ohio, graduating from Graham High School in 1982, where he was a four-time state champion in wrestling ('79-'82) with a career record of 150-1. He went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin where he was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion ('85-'86). He was voted "Most Dedicated" by his University of Wisconsin teammates all four years ('83-'86). He earned a Master's Degree in Education from the Ohio State University in 1991 where he served as assistant wrestling coach from 1987-1995. He earned a Law degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio in 2001.
Jim has served as a state representative (1994-2000) and a state senator (2000-2006) from Ohio. During his time as a state legislator, he received numerous awards including the Defender of Life Award from Ohio Right to Life and the Watchdog of the Treasury Award from the United Conservatives of Ohio.
Jim has been serving Ohio's fourth district as their representative in the United States Congress since 2007. In Congress, he has emerged as a prominent defender of the taxpayer's pocketbook through his work on spending issues. As chairman of the Republican Study Committee's Budget and Spending Task Force, he was the only member of Congress to introduce a balanced budget alternative to President Obama's budget. As one of the most conservative members of Congress, his efforts have earned him recognition from Citizens against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform's "Friend of the Taxpayer Award," and praise from the American Conservative Union as one of the "Best and Brightest."
Jim and Polly are the parents of four children: Rachel, Benjamin, Jessie, and Isaac. Following in their father's footsteps, all the Jordan children are active in sports. Ben Jordan is currently a University of Wisconsin wrestler. The Jordan family lives near Urbana, Ohio, and attends Grace Bible Church.