James Comey, born James Brien Comey Jr. on December 14, 1960, in Yonkers, New York, is a former FBI Director, lawyer, and author who has held some of the most powerful positions in American law enforcement. Best known for his controversial role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and his very public dismissal by Donald Trump, Comey remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics. His career spans decades of high-profile prosecutions, national security cases, and political scrutiny.
In this article, we will explore James Comey’s biography, age, height, family, career highlights, net worth in 2025, recent controversies—including the “8647 seashell post” investigation—and more.
James Comey Short Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Brien Comey Jr. |
| Stage Name | Not Applicable |
| Profession | Lawyer, Former FBI Director, Author |
| Hometown | Yonkers, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 14/12/1960 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 64 |
| Height | 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Brown/Grey |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Early Life & Career
James Comey grew up in Allendale, New Jersey, where he endured a traumatic experience at age 16—he and his brother were victims of a home invasion. Comey attended the College of William & Mary, majoring in chemistry and religion, and later received his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985.
Comey’s legal career began with clerkships and private practice before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York. There, he tackled major criminal cases, including organized crime and corporate fraud. Under President George W. Bush, Comey became Deputy Attorney General and notably opposed aspects of the NSA’s warrantless surveillance program.
Comey became a household name when President Barack Obama appointed him the 7th Director of the FBI in 2013. During his tenure, Comey oversaw the Clinton email investigation and played a crucial role during the 2016 presidential election—a move some claim influenced the final outcome.
In May 2017, Donald Trump dismissed Comey, which triggered a political firestorm and raised concerns about obstruction of justice. Comey would later testify before Congress and become a central figure in the Mueller investigation.
Read more about political figures like Comey in our Politician category
Family & Relationships
James Comey is married to Patrice Failor since 1987, and the couple has six children, including a daughter, Maurene Comey, who is an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | J. Brien Comey |
| Mother | Joan Marie Comey |
| Siblings | Peter Comey |
| Spouse/Partner | Patrice Failor |
| Children | 6 (Names Not Fully Public) |
Physical Appearance
James Comey’s tall frame often grabs attention—standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he is one of the tallest people to ever lead a federal agency. He maintains a professional appearance with salt-and-pepper hair and hazel eyes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’8″ (203 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Brown/Grey |
| Tattoos | No |
| Piercings | No |
| Other Features | Tallest FBI Director in U.S. history |
James Comey Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, James Comey’s net worth is estimated at $16 million USD. His wealth comes from various roles in public service, his private sector tenure with Lockheed Martin and Bridgewater Associates, and bestselling books such as A Higher Loyalty and Saving Justice. His venture into fiction writing, including Central Park West and Westport, has also added to his income.
| Financial Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | $16 Million USD |
| Primary Income Sources | Public Service, Book Royalties |
| Other Revenue Streams | Paid Speaking Engagements, Private Sector Consulting |
Lesser-Known Facts About James Comey
- James Comey is 6’8″ tall, making him the tallest FBI Director ever.
- He was a victim of a home invasion as a teenager.
- Comey prosecuted Martha Stewart in the early 2000s.
- He donated to Mitt Romney in 2012 and later supported Joe Biden.
- His daughter, Maurene Comey, is also a federal prosecutor.
- He kept a copy of MLK Jr.’s FBI wiretap request on his desk as a reminder of ethical limits.
- Comey briefly taught ethical leadership at William & Mary.
- He endorsed same-sex marriage via a Supreme Court brief in 2013.
- His Instagram handle was once “Reinhold Niebuhr”, after the theologian he studied in college.
- Comey is a colon cancer survivor.
- In May 2025, he was investigated by the Secret Service for an alleged assassination-coded Instagram post involving the number “8647”.
- He deleted the controversial post, stating he was unaware of any violent connotations.
- He has written both memoirs and legal thrillers.
- He has Irish-American roots and grew up Catholic before converting to Methodism.
- He served on the Board of HSBC after its money laundering scandal.
FAQs About James Comey
Q: What is James Comey’s net worth in 2025?
A: James Comey’s net worth is estimated at $16 million USD.
Q: What was the “8647 seashell post” controversy?
A: Comey posted a photo of seashells spelling “8647”, which was interpreted by critics as a veiled threat toward Trump (the 47th President). He later deleted the post and denied any violent intent.
Q: Why was James Comey fired from the FBI?
A: Donald Trump fired Comey in 2017 amid the FBI’s investigation into Russian election interference.
Q: Is James Comey married?
A: Yes, he is married to Patrice Failor since 1987.
Q: How tall is James Comey?
A: James Comey is 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) tall.
Q: What books has James Comey written?
A: Comey has authored A Higher Loyalty, Saving Justice, Central Park West, and Westport.
Q: Did James Comey support any political candidates?
A: He has supported both Republican and Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar.
Q: Was James Comey involved in the Hillary Clinton email investigation?
A: Yes, he oversaw the FBI’s investigation and controversially announced its reopening days before the 2016 election.
Q: Is James Comey still active in public service?
A: No, but he is active as an author, speaker, and legal scholar.
Q: Where does James Comey live now?
A: As of 2023, he lives in McLean, Virginia.
Conclusion
James Comey remains a defining figure in American political history, especially for his roles in the Clinton email probe, his dramatic firing by Donald Trump, and his outspoken stance on ethics and justice. Though no longer in government, his voice continues to resonate through books, lectures, and commentary. His story is a mix of public service, controversy, and resilience in the face of political storms.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from official sources.