JD Vance gets emotional remembering 'papaw' in a full-circle moment at steel mill

MIDDLETOWN, OHIO: Vice President JD Vance on Friday, August 21, returned to the Ohio steel mill where his grandfather spent nearly 40 years working as a welder, this time standing there as one of the country’s top leaders.

Speaking in his hometown of Middletown, Vance remembered James “Papaw” Vance and the ordinary life he built around work, family, faith, and the things he loved.

His tribute brought his political journey back to the working-class community and the grandfather who helped raise him.

JD Vance remembers his 'papaw'

Vance spoke at the steel plant in Middletown, the same workplace where his grandfather spent decades earning a living.

“Papaw was a welder in this place for 40 years and today, his grandson stands here as the Vice President of the United States. It’s an amazing thing,” Vance said.

James “Papaw” Vance spent much of his working life at the plant, while his grandson eventually left Middletown, became a bestselling author, entered politics and rose to the vice presidency.

But Vance’s description of his grandfather focused less on that extraordinary journey and more on the man he remembered at home.

“He was not an educated man by any means, but he was a brilliant one,” Vance said. He described Papaw as “a complicated man” and a person of faith who never went to church.

Vance also spoke about his grandfather’s long struggle with alcohol, saying he had been an alcoholic since middle school before quitting “cold turkey” after becoming a grandfather.

Vance said his grandfather wanted his children to be well fed. He wanted a car engine to work on because he loved building and tinkering with cars. He also had very specific preferences.

He liked his coffee “never cold, never hot.” And he liked doughnuts. 

Vance remembered Papaw getting them from Central Pastry or Milton’s Donuts.

JD Vance's humble beginnings

Vance was born and raised in Middletown, a city whose identity was deeply connected to steel and industrial employment.

His childhood was marked by financial difficulties and instability, and his maternal grandparents, James and Bonnie “Mamaw” Vance, became important sources of stability.

Vance has spoken frequently about the role they played in his upbringing.

He eventually took their surname, further reflecting how important his grandparents became in his life.

Papaw’s relationship with the steel plant also featured in Vance’s earlier writing.

In 'Hillbilly Elegy', he recalled his grandfather proudly pointing out Ford and Chevrolet vehicles and telling him that the steel used to make them had been produced by his company.