The James Hoffman Jr. Memorial Scholarship
James wearing the suit he purchased to wear to the Bonnaroo Music Festival. This picture was taken the
day before his car accident.
About James...
Randy Brist, Radio-TV Instructor:
“When it came to ideas and creativity, James was fearless. His process for brainstorming and coming up with wonderful ideas was truly something to witness. He was a leader in the classroom and his influence on others was substantial.”
Kaleb Lucas, close friend:
"From barbershop quartets to hiring stunt doubles, James would do anything in the name of Entertainment. He was a real dream-chaser always looking to expand his artistic vocabulary."
Tony Chen, friend and co-host of their JEFF 92 morning show:
"James was someone who you could turn towards to put a smile on your face. He strived to bring happiness to others and help those in need. Even though he is not with us anymore, he will live on through the memories and bonds he has made in our lives."
Hayden Blankenship, friend and former RTV classmate:
“James had a unique talent at predicting how audiences would react to art and trends. He usually used this to stray away and attempt something new.”
Conlon Casey, close friend:
“James Hoffman was an amazing person with some amazing tastes. One of my favorite things about James was all of the fantastic suggestions he gave me for films and albums I should check out. He really knew how to listen to what you liked and give suggestions that never failed to entertain. I’ll miss getting to text him and ask him about any new music or movies he’s seen, but I know he’s sending info through the universe somehow; forever inspiring me to venture out and try to explore film and music
outside of my typical comfort zone.”
James Hoffman Jr.
This annual scholarship is awarded to a non-RTV staff college bound senior enrolled in the Radio-TV classes at Jefferson High School. The recipient will be chosen for characteristics similar to James, including creativity, passion, dedicated involvement in class projects, and involvement in the student run Jeff Radio WJEF, Jeff 92. This annual $500 scholarship started in 2018 after the untimely death of James in a car accident, and is funded each year by family and friends.
James graduated from Jeff in 2014. He was very involved with the Radio-TV program, loved participating in the many class projects, and hosted a morning radio program with his friend, Tony Chen. James also loved drawing and took visual art classes at Jeff. Due to James' love of music, movies, television, his many positive experiences in the RTV program, and with encouragement from Mr. Brist, he chose to continue his education in Telecommunications at Indiana University. At the time of his passing, James was 21, a senior at IU, on the Dean's list and was on track to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in May of 2018.
James dedicated his free time to his passion for music. He loved hip hop, rock, and electronic music, while frequently creating his own music. He loved live music and often traveled to see his favorite artists perform.
Scholarship Recipients
2018 Hayden Smith
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Family and friends meant the world to James. He maintained close relationships with his Mom, Dad, and sister Emma, who was also attending IU. They had plans to spend their final year of college living together. He was especially close with his Mom; talking or texting with her every day. James traveled home regularly for family events. He had many friends, and never met a stranger. He maintained close bonds with his high school friends and enjoyed making new friends at college and his part time jobs. He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable, which made his relationships all the more meaningful. James had such a creative and beautiful soul. He was loving, funny, caring, unique and intelligent. He had a vibrant personality, a contagious smile and dedication to living life fully. His deep love for friends and family was truly admirable. James left behind a very large group of people who are all connected by their love for him, and their great fortune of being loved BY him. He made the world a better place for everyone who knew him.