Jack Ruby, born Jacob Rubenstein, is a name that resonates with one of the most infamous moments in American history—the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. However, Ruby's life was much more than that single act. From his troubled childhood in Chicago to his career as a nightclub owner in Dallas, Ruby's life was marked by unpredictability and eccentricity. This article delves into the various facets of Ruby's life, offering a glimpse into the man behind
the headlines.
Early Life and Family
Jack Ruby was born Jacob Rubenstein on March 25, 1911, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the fifth of ten children in a family of Polish-born Orthodox Jews. Ruby's early years were tumultuous, marked by his parents' violent relationship and frequent separations. His mother was eventually committed to a psychiatric hospital, and Ruby himself spent time in foster care due to juvenile delinquency.
Ruby's childhood was further complicated by his quick temper, earning him the nickname "Sparky." This nickname was a source of contention for Ruby, who was known to fight anyone who called him by it. Despite these challenges, Ruby formed a friendship with boxer Barney Ross, which perhaps offered him some stability during his formative years.
Career and Business Ventures
Ruby left school at the age of 16 and began making money through ticket scalping and selling horse race tip sheets. By 1937, he had become an organizer in the Scrap Iron and Junk Handlers Union. Although he was investigated in connection with the murder of union president Leon Cooke, Ruby was cleared of any wrongdoing.
In 1947, Ruby moved to Dallas to help operate his sister's nightclub. He soon shortened his surname from Rubenstein to Ruby, citing the length of his original name as impractical. Ruby managed several nightclubs, strip clubs, and dance halls in Dallas, where he developed close ties with local police officers. Despite his connections, Ruby faced financial difficulties and often borrowed money from friends and family.
Character and Behavior
Ruby was known for his eccentric and unpredictable behavior. He was described by acquaintances as "a kook," "totally unpredictable," and "suffering from some form of disturbance." Ruby's volatile temper often led to violent encounters with employees and patrons at his clubs. He acted as his own bouncer and was known to physically assault customers, sometimes throwing them down the stairs.
Ruby's behavior extended to social gatherings, where he would sometimes remove his shirt and hit his chest like a gorilla or roll around on the floor. His conversations were often erratic, with Ruby changing topics mid-sentence. Despite his efforts to attract attention, Ruby had few close friends and was heavily in debt.
