James C. Hormel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Hormel
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| United States Ambassador to Luxembourg | |
| In office September 8, 1999 – January 1, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Clay Constantinou |
| Succeeded by | Gerald Loftus (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Catherwood Hormel
January 1, 1933 Austin, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | August 13, 2021 (aged 88) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Alice Turner (divorced) Michael Nguyen Araque |
| Children | 5 |
| Parent |
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| Relatives | Geordie Hormel (brother) George A. Hormel (grandfather) |
| Education | Swarthmore College (BA) University of Chicago (JD) |
James Catherwood Hormel (January 1, 1933 – August 13, 2021) was an American philanthropist, LGBT activist, and diplomat. He was also an heir to the Hormel meat company fortune. From 1999 to 2001, he served as the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg. He made history as the first openly gay man to represent the United States as an ambassador.
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Early Life and Education
James Hormel was born in Austin, Minnesota. His grandfather, George A. Hormel, founded Hormel Foods. His father, Jay Catherwood Hormel, later became president of the company.
James Hormel studied history at Swarthmore College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then earned a law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Chicago Law School. After finishing law school, he worked at the University of Chicago Law School. He was the dean of students and director of admissions there.
Diplomatic Career
An ambassador is a high-ranking diplomat. They represent their country in another nation. In 1994, President Bill Clinton thought about making Hormel the ambassador to Fiji. However, this nomination did not go forward.
Instead, Hormel joined the United Nations delegation from the U.S. in 1995. He worked with the Human Rights Commission. In 1996, he became an alternate for the United Nations General Assembly.
In October 1997, President Clinton nominated Hormel to be the ambassador to Luxembourg. This country had removed old laws against same-sex acts many years ago. This was a very important nomination. It was the first time an openly LGBT person was nominated to be a U.S. ambassador.
The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved his nomination. However, some senators had concerns about his background and views. This caused delays in his confirmation.
Officials in Luxembourg made it clear that Hormel would be welcome. They had laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Because of the delays, President Clinton used a special power. He made a recess appointment on June 4, 1999. This meant Hormel could start his role without a full Senate vote.
Hormel was sworn in as ambassador in June 1999. His partner, Timothy Wu, held the Bible during the ceremony. His former wife, five children, and several grandchildren were also there.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
James Hormel was a strong supporter of human rights. In 1981, he helped start the Human Rights Campaign. This is a large organization that works for LGBT rights.
He also served on the boards of important groups. These included the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. He was also on the board of the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
In 1996, Hormel gave $500,000 to the San Francisco Public Library. This money helped create the James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center. This center was later renamed the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center in 2016.
Hormel took part in many events. In 2004, he attended a conference by Amnesty International. In 2010, he received a Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal Award. This was from the San Francisco Pride Board of Directors. It honored his many years of LGBT activism.
Personal Life and Death
James Hormel was married to Alice Turner for ten years. They had five children together. He later came out as gay. He had fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He lived in San Francisco, California, with his spouse, Michael Peter Nguyen Araque.
James Hormel passed away in San Francisco on August 13, 2021. He was 88 years old.
See also
- List of LGBT ambassadors of the United States
