James M. Hoops is currently serving as an Ohio State Representative for State House District 81. He was appointed in 2018 and is serving his third full term. He is currently the majority whip. He previously served 4 terms in the Ohio House from 1998-2006 and 3 terms as Henry County Auditor from 1986-1998.

James previously worked as associate vice president of finance for American Municipal Power.

James is from Hamler, Ohio and attended Patrick Henry High School. He has bachelors degree in business and computer programming from Northwest State University. He and his wife Deb live in Napoleon. He volunteers for the United Way of Henry County, serving on the Henry County Senior Center Board of Directors and serving as treasurer of the Henry County Humane Society.