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

Activities

From age 10, with his family disintegrating and limited education, Ruby found himself on Chicago streets supporting himself and family. An avid sports fan, he “scalped” tickets to sporting events with friends and sold novelty items, especially athletic-related ones. He refused steady work for others. His only youthful legal difficulty involved an altercation with a policeman over ticket scalping; charges were dropped through brother Hyman’s political connections. During the Depression, Ruby served a short jail sentence for unauthorized sale of copyrighted sheet music. Brother Hyman had been declared incorrigible by juvenile court on May 1, 1916, but no further difficulties were known. Some childhood friends became criminals, but family and acquaintances reported Ruby had no involvement with Chicago’s criminal element. Ruby showed no interest in politics; Hyman was the family’s only political participant, serving as sidewalk inspector and warehouse investigator for 8 years. Hyman once obtained a pushcart permit for Jack during the pre-Christmas rush, but complaints led to its revocation.

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.