Jimmy Hoffa

Date of Birth: February 14, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: Declared legally dead on July 30, 1982

Biography

James Riddle Hoffa, commonly known as Jimmy Hoffa, was an influential American labor union leader and activist who played a pivotal role in the labor movement in the mid-20th century. Born on February 14, 1913, in Brazil, Indiana, Hoffa rose to prominence as the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), one of the most powerful labor unions in the United States. Hoffa’s leadership was instrumental in expanding the union’s membership and negotiating favorable labor contracts for its members. His tenure, however, was marred by allegations of corruption and connections with organized crime. Hoffa’s career in labor activism began in his teenage years when he led a successful strike against a grocery chain. His charisma and determination quickly propelled him into leadership positions within the IBT. As president, Hoffa was known for his tenacious negotiating tactics and his ability to mobilize workers, making the Teamsters a formidable force in American labor. Despite his achievements, Hoffa’s career was fraught with legal troubles. He was convicted of jury tampering, attempted bribery, and fraud in 1967 and sentenced to 13 years in prison. President Richard Nixon commuted his sentence in 1971, but Hoffa was barred from engaging in union activities until 1980. Hoffa’s disappearance on July 30, 1975, remains one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. He was declared legally dead on July 30, 1982.

5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Hoffa

1. Jimmy Hoffa was a high school dropout but became one of the most powerful labor leaders in the United States.

2. Hoffa’s disappearance in 1975 has inspired numerous conspiracy theories, books, and films, including the 2019 movie “The Irishman.”

3. Hoffa was known for his close associations with organized crime figures, which ultimately contributed to his legal troubles and mysterious disappearance.

4. He played a crucial role in negotiating the first national freight-hauling agreement in U.S. history, which improved working conditions for truck drivers.

5. Hoffa’s influence extended beyond the labor movement; he was a key political figure and had connections with several U.S. presidents.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Hoffa

1. “I may have my faults, but being wrong ain’t one of them.”

2. “I’ve said consistently that organizing is a permanent part of our agenda.”

3. “You got to stop the wave before it wipes you out.”

4. “Our people work more than they should, work longer than they should, and get paid less than they should.”

5. “Labor cannot stand still. It must not retreat. It must go on, or go under.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jimmy Hoffa’s influence and control over the Teamsters’ pension fund gave him access to millions of dollars, but his personal net worth was modest in comparison to the union’s assets. Specific figures on his personal net worth are not well-documented.

Children

Jimmy Hoffa had two children with his wife, Josephine Poszywak: 1. James P. Hoffa, born in 1941, who followed in his father’s footsteps and became the General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. 2. Barbara Ann Crancer, born in 1938, who pursued a career in law and served as an associate circuit court judge in Missouri.