Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Temperament

Childhood acquaintances offered sharply divergent views of Ruby’s temperament. Many described him as mild mannered, quiet, and even tempered. Welterweight champion Barney Ross said Ruby was “well behaved,” never a troublemaker, and never involved with law enforcement. A west coast businessman-friend said Ruby never started fights despite his fists. Others recalled a hot temper and quick resort to violence or words. One friend explained self-defense was vital in their “tough” neighborhood and Ruby was fully capable. Another described him as quick tempered but unlikely to start fights, yet willing to accept any challenge regardless of odds. Ruby often intervened in fights to aid those being severely beaten. He had a reputation as a good street brawler; one school friend recalled him using sticks or weapons during sports arguments, though he returned to his likable self once anger passed. From early childhood, Jack was called “Sparky.” Sister Eva Grant explained it derived from the way he wobbled when walking, resembling the comic strip horse “Sparky” or “Sparkplug.” Jack hated the nickname and would strike anyone calling him that from about age 8. The nickname may also relate to his quick reaction to taunts. Hyman Rubenstein attributed it to Jack’s speed, aggressiveness, and quick thinking—a theory supported by the many accounts of his volatile temper.

Young Manhood (1933-43)

Ruby reported going to Los Angeles around 1933 with several Chicago friends, then shortly to San Francisco. Although evidence suggests he may have stayed until 1938, 1939, or 1940, Ruby stated he returned to Chicago around 1937, which appears accurate. Sister Eva, who had married Hyman Magid in Chicago in 1930 and divorced in early 1934, joined Jack in San Francisco around June 1934, sharing an apartment with him and her son Ronald. In 1936, Eva married Frank Granovsky (Frank Grant) in San Francisco, and Ruby briefly shared a four-room apartment with them and Ronald.

San Francisco (1933-37)

Jack Ruby moved to the West Coast seeking employment, as Eva Grant testified. After initially staying in Los Angeles, the group relocated to San Francisco. Eva joined him there in mid-1934 following her divorce, and the family arrangement continued until Eva’s 1936 remarriage to Frank Grant, after which the living situation shifted.

Occupations and Activities

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Ruby and his friends sold handicapper’s tip sheets at the newly opened Santa Anita racetrack. Eva Grant testified he also worked as a singing waiter in Los Angeles with little pay. In San Francisco, Ruby continued selling “tip” sheets at Bay Meadows racetrack, then became a door-to-door salesman of newspaper subscriptions. Some evidence suggested he became chief of his crew with workers under him, though other reports disputed this. Eva Grant, who also sold newspaper subscriptions, said she relied on her brother’s advice and support, as he was more proficient.

chapter II. With the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the

This chapter traces Jack Ruby’s life and activities from his San Francisco years through his relocation to Dallas, examining his reputation, employment history, labor union involvement, military service, and the circumstances surrounding his move to Dallas. The investigation draws on extensive witness testimony, documentary evidence, and law enforcement records to assess Ruby’s character, associations, and potential connections to organized crime.

San Francisco Reputation and Social Activities

Ruby, known as “Sparky” to his San Francisco acquaintances, was generally regarded as well-mannered, soft-spoken, and meticulously dressed. Friends and a former crew manager described him as honest, likable, and forthright, with a fondness for sports and law enforcement but no reputation for violence or a vicious temper. He associated with Jewish friends and showed little religious interest, meeting Virginia Belasco—granddaughter of playwright David Belasco—at a Jewish community center dance in 1936. He also told a longtime girlfriend that Virginia Fitzgerald was the only other woman he had considered marrying.

Chicago (1937-43)

After returning to Chicago, Ruby experienced a period of unemployment but claimed to work as a “traveling salesman.” He supported himself through ticket scalping and reselling watches and small items, described by a close friend as “shady” but “legitimate.” He was able to maintain a normal life without financial help from family or friends during this period.