Since Jack Ruby (Rubenstein) managed strip joints and gambling establishments in Dallas, most people think of him as a thug. Examination of his telephone record in the months before the Kennedy assassination also revealed that he was having conversations with a lot of people associated with organized crime. In recent years, researchers have tried to extrapolate these personal relationships back to his Chicago years. Therefore, people assume, he became a Mafia underling already as a youth. However, there is practically no evidence for this assumption. In the months after the Kennedy assassination, the FBI questioned many Chicago citizens who were involved in or around organized crime, and except for one, they all denied knowing anything about a criminal past there for Jack Rubenstein (Exhibits 1201, 1202, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1213, 1214, 1247, 1262, 1320, 1321). Of course, they could very well have been lying, but that assumption is still not proof that he was involved with the Chicago Mafia. The one exception was a juke box maintenance man, who said that during a later period, 1942-47, Ruby was rumored to be "a connection for narcotics traffic in the area" (Exhibit 1240). This exception certainly does not disprove my hypothesis, which does say he was a drug trafficker. I will further quote this exhibit when my narrative reaches the 1940s. The FBI also interviewed a lot of Ruby's conventional, law-abiding neighbors and acquaintances. Among them, they reported only two rumors that he was involved in any illegal activities (beyond ticket scalping and gate crashing) during his Chicago years. Both of these are third-hand reports of prankish misdemeanors that Ruby allegedly committed outside of Chicago. The first is Exhibit 1217, where one acquaintance, Harry Goldbaum, "recalls having heard that Ruby and other unknown persons formerly engaged in approaching couples parked in cars at Stickney, Illinois, and shining flashlights in cars. They would then reportedly 'shanke down' the male occupant, leaving the implication that Ruby and friends might be police officers." The second is Exhibit 1321, where Jack Wilner, a crime reporter on the Chicago Daily News, reported a rumor received from his "syndicate sources" in about 1934, Ruby had been arrested for bookmaking in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and for "confidence games" in Chicago. However, neither of these rumors was ever confirmed by any arrest record. In general, the exhibits confirm Hyman's observation that Jack "always had nice friends, fellows who either they were doctors' sons or boys in the neighborhood that respected Jack." For example, one of the close friends of his youth was Ben Epstein. At one time in the 1930s, they "were together on a joint business venture wherein they had radio programs printed and sold these programs from a newsstand." Epstein freely admitted to the FBI that he had been a bookmaker until 1951, but since then just managed real estate. Epstein remembered Ruby like this (Exhibit 1193): [quote] Epstein ... had known Jack Rubenstein, better known to him by the nickname Sparky, since his high school days. He believes Sparky may have been in the same high school class. Both lived in the old Roosevelt Road-Lawndale neighborhood. .... He first recalled having become acquainted with Sparky at a barber shop and at the Lawndale Pool Room, both utilized as neighborhood hangouts. .... Epstein said that Sparky did not drink or smoke, but was "sort of a health nut," who spent a lot of time at the Young Men's Christian Association. He said that Sparky was likeable, personable and was the type who knew many people. He said the most apt description would be the word "gregarious. He said also that Sparky had a quick temper, but was not likely to pick a fight, but on the other hand was quick to accept any challenge regardless of the odds against him. He said that, because Sparky grew up in the old Lawndale neighborhood and because of Sparky's gregarious nature, Sparky would undoubedly know most of the persons of his immediate generation, both good and bad, who came from that area. He said, however, that Sparky, though he might become involved in things of a shady nature, was definitely not a hoodlum. He did not carry a gun, he did not become involved in burlaries or robberies and to his knowledge never expressed any particular interest in any political philosophy. He said that Sparky did have a tendency to be quick tempered, intense in his likes and dislikes and a strong affinity for being "where the action was." [unquote] Abe Cohn had been Jack's neighbor on Sacramento Boulevard and knew him through the 1930s. He later became the President of a paper-grading company. He remembered Jack like this (Exhibit 1190): [quote] Cohn said to his knowledge, Rubenstein was not involved in organized crime or the rackets and pointed out that Rubenstein always was a poor man, never lived expensively or wore good clothing or drove an automobile. Cohn said the only thing he knew Rubenstein to do in addition to union organizing [in the late 1930s] was to sell gadget and premium type objects. Cohn observed that Rubenstein always had been emotional and was "soft heated," but never indicated he could be vicious. Cohn considered Rubenstein a true, loyal American, who had never had anything to do with movements such as Communism. [unquote] Another childhood friend was Erwin Horwitz, who later became the Building Commissioner of Cook County, Illinois. He remembered Rubenstein like this (Exhibit 1191): [quote] He knows Jack Rubenstein as Sparky. .... He was born in 1911, the same year of birth for Rubenstein. Both lived in the same neighborhood in the vicinity of Peoria Street and Roosevelt Road and later in the area further west near Roosevelt Road in what became known as the Lawndale area. He described Sparky as a likeable and personable, but terribly excitable person, not stable in temperament. He said that Sparky was active physically and was prone to engage in arguments, usually about sporting events and if the argument did not go to his liking, he was liable to use his fists or pick up a stick or any other weapon that came to his immediate attention. He said, in short, that Sparky was quickly moved to violence, but when the altercation was over, he immediately returned to his usual likeable self. He said that Sparky was always a "hustler" and a good salesman. He said that he remembers Sparky being present at almost all sporting events and particularly at the fights.... He said that Sparky always had tickets to every sporting event and that as long as he can remember, Sparky scalped tickets to fights, baseball and football games, etcetera. He said that Sparky never, to his knowledge, stole anything, never carried a gun, nor did he associate with any of the persons from the old neighborhood who later became knows in varying degrees as criminals. .... He stated that he considered the Rubenstein family to be persons of good character. [unquote] Ralph Kaplan also worked in the office of the Building Commissioner of Cook County (Exhibit 1194): [quote] He grew up in the old Roosevelt Road-Halsted neighborhood, later moving to Lawndale, further west on Roosevelt Road. He advised that because he was the same age and from the same locality, he knew Jack Rubenstein by his nickname Sparky. He characterized Rubenstein as likeable, gregarious, physically active, unstable, and temperamental, quickly moved to violent acts or words. He said that Rubenstein was never criminally inclined or interested in politics to his knowledge. He said that he was simply a salesman of various products, selling in a style usually referred to as "hustling" in the Chicago area. He said that he would find it inconceivable to believe that Rubenstein had any criminal connections. [unquote] Don Glass became the owner of an import business (Exhibit 1196): [quote] Glass said he knew a Sparky Rubenstein or Ruby during the 1930s and part of the 1940s. He said the relationship was casual and developed when Rubentein used to drop into a novelty store which Glass operated on State Street. He said Ruby was quick-tempered and would fight if insulted. Ruby was a known ticket scalper and primarily made his living by this means. On occasion, Ruby would peddle cheap costume jewelry. Glass said that he was extremely surprised when Rubenstein was named as Oswald's killer. He described Ruby as a "character" and certainly not the type of person who would ever use firearms. He said Ruby was a "lone wolf" and fancied himself a "lady's man." Glass knew of no close associates Ruby might have had in Chicago and knows of no criminal element which whom Ruby might associate. Glass said Ruby never discussed politics or belonged to any organizations as far as Glass knew. Glass said Ruby hated the name Sparky and would fight if called it. [unquote] Morrie Kellman later became the owner and president of a glass manufacturing company. He remembers this (Exhibit 1192): [quote] He said he first met Rubenstein about 1930 when they were both kids in the same neighborhood (Lawndale and Roosevelt Road) .... Kellman said he never knew Rubenstein to carry a gun and never heard that he had ever carried a gun. He said Rubenstein was in the novelty business in Chicago .... and was known to sell novelty items at various sporting events in Chicago and was also known to be engaged in the scalping of tickets at various sporting events. .... He advised that he knows of no communist affiliation or connection on the part of Rubenstein and to his knowledge he had no connection with the hoodlum element. .... He said the only business that he recalls Rubenstein being in was that of the novelty business and the scalping of tickets. [unquote] Sollie Ziv became the co-owner of a theater ticket sales company (Exhibit 1197): [quote] He was a casual acquaintance of Ruby's during the 1930s and early 1940s. .... Ziv said Ruby ran around with a crowd who never had any money but were always trying to "make a buck" by scalping tickets or peddling cheap watches or jewelry. Ziv described Ruby as a "small timer" who never had anything. He said Ruby was a "lone wolf" and had a quick temper. .... He allegedly was a gambler, but his primary income was from ticket scalping at football and baseball games. Ruby was never in any difficulty in Chicago so far as Ziv knew. He said Ruby worried about his dress and tried to be immaculate at all times. .... He said he doubted whether Ruby was the type that associated with Chicago's underworld. Ruby never discussed politics with Ziv, nor did he appear interested in it. .... Ziv expressed surprise that Ruby was involved in any shooting, as he "is not the type." [unquote] Another friend, Harry Epstein, occupation unspecified, said this (Exhibit 1200): [quote] He became acquainted with Jack Ruby in Chicago in the late 1920s, when they were both about 18 years of age. They were close friends until approximately 1940, when they drifted apart. .... Epstein recalled that Ruby made his living as a young man in Chicago by scalping tickets .... Epstein stated that Ruby was not a gambler and was never known by him to be involved in any gambling or other criminal activity or association. .... Epstein described Ruby as a fairly even tempered individual and not one who would pick a fight with anyone, but who would rather avoid a fight if he could. [unquote] Jerry Feingold became the co-owner of a retail store (Exhibit 1205): Feingold advised that he was a casual acquaintance of Jack Rubenstein, also known to him as Ruby and Sparky, from 1933 to 1941 and in 1946. He stressed that his acquaintanceship was only casual and consisted in seeing Ruby at various hangouts and in attendance at Chicago sporting events. ...Feingold said Ruby was a reputed ticket scalper and this was his only source of income, so far as he knew. .... Feingold stated Ruby fancied himself as a "lady's man." He was also a reputed gate crasher at baseball and football games. Feingold said that Ruby was always broke and never had any substantial funds. Ruby was described as a "nice fellow" who did not associate with any of the known hoodlums in Chicago's West Side where he lived nor was Ruby ever active in any political affairs. Feingold knew of no organization or groups to which Ruby belonged. Feingold expressed surprise that Ruby was involved in any shooting incident as he had "too much common sense for that." [unquote] Art Petaque knew Jack "around 20 years" and became a reporter for the Chicago Sun Times (Exhibit 1208): [quote] He recalls that Ruby grew up in the Roosevelt Avenue area of Chicago where hoodlums lived and operated and that like anyone living in that area, he was acquainted with most of the hoodlums. He believes Ruby never closely associated with any hoodlums and recalls that he never got himself involved in any serious trouble. At most, he was involved in a punch board operation, but never was arrested in this regard. He had the reputation of a street brawler. He never had a steady job, but occupied himself as a ticket scalper, salesman of assorted goods, small-time promoter, program hawker at sports events, etc. [unquote] Joe Kellman, occupation unspecified, remembered Ruby like this (Exhibit 1216): [quote] He remembered Rubenstein as a health fadist, and Kellman exercised with him once at Postl's Gym in downtown Chicago. [Rubenstein was] such a mild mannered person that the idea of his connection at that time with any Chicago mobster or Capone group appeared preposterous. .... He never heard anything to indicate Rubenstein had possibly been connected with hoodlum elements. ... Kellman advised that Rubenstein had appeared to him to be a quiet, well mannered, almost effeminate type of man who lisped. The idea that he could become a strong armed bouncer and an affiliate of gangsters was totally at odds with the impression Kellman said he formed of Rubenstein 20 years ago. [unquote] Ira Colitz knew Ruby from the early 1930s to 1946 and became the owner of a furniture company (Exhibit 1241): [quote] Barney Ross was a prominent boxing figure in the [Independence Avenue] area, and Colitz met Ruby there due to a mutual friendship with Ross. Due to Ross' notoriety, he attracted a group of people with like interests in that these individuals gained a livelihood from various endeavors involving sales and promotion of a legitimate but somewhere "shady" nature. Ruby was no exception and was a promoter of various sales products. He could have been described as a "hustler" and interested in anything to make a "buck." He was also a ticket scalper" and if he was ever arrested, it was probably in connection with ticket scalping. .... Ruby never exhibited an interest in political matters; however, he was somewhat overbearing regarding the rights and feelings of others. He was greatly upset at slang languge, phrases made about people's origins and was ready to fight or protect in some way the recipients of same. Ruby had a strong feeling regarding civil rights and was extremely proud of his country. .... He was not so strong, however, regarding his religious convictions. Colitz is certain Ruby was never connected with the rackets or with hoodlum matters in Chicago. Due to various promotions in which Ruby was involved, it is possible that they could have been assumed as being somewhat shady, but he, Colitz, was involved in some capacity and only a living was obtained, which is unlike the financial success usually attributed to the rackets. He never knew Ruby to make other than a normal type living. According to Colitz, Ruby's killing of Lee Oswald was unbelievable from his past knowledge of him. [unquote] Maurice Kahn, who knew Jack throughout the 1930s, became the editor of weekly magazine on Chicago nightlife (Exhibit 1242): [quote] As concerns the character of Ruby, he recalled him as being an extremely quiet individual, who avoided arguments and clashes of any kind. He therefore had no idea of how Ruby picked up a nickname of Sparky. Ruby was emotional to the extent that when discussing his readings of sports events or current issues, he would take them very seriously. He would earnestly discuss these matters with his acquaintances and would often inquire as to their feelings or attitudes on the subjects discussed. He was not the least bit vicious and he is the last person he would suspect of committing murder. He never carries a gun to his knowledge. Ruby almost always had a big smile on his fact and was always immaculate in appearance. ... Ruby never gambled to his knowledge, drank very little, did not smoke, and if he had any vices, it was women. [unquote] Michael Levin was a neighbor and friend of the Rubenstein family since 1919 and became a lawyer (Exhibit 1243): [quote] Levin and the Rubenstein family grew up on "East side of Chicago," which he said was generally the Roosevelt and Maxewell Street and Halsted areas. As youngsters, the boys, including Jack Ruby, engaged in street brawls and were members of gangs. However, Jack Ruby was not prone to pick fights or go out of his way to find trouble. Conversely, as a youngster and even more as he matured, Jack Ruby was more inclined to make friends. .... Levin characterized Ruby's personality as friendly, volatile, and industrious. Concerning the political feelings of Jack Ruby, Levin stated that he was not strongly inclined toward either Democrats or Republicans, Socialists or Communists, but due to the circumstances and environment of the 24th Ward wherein he was raised, Jack Ruby was probably a Democrat. Levin stated that neither Jack Ruby nor any member of his family have, to his knowledge, been affiliated with any party or organization which would be deemed subversive. It was his opinion that the family was not of sufficient intelligence or interest to be politically motivated. Levin said Jack Ruby was not connected with any "hoodlum" element nor did he owe allegiances or ties to any known "hoodlums." [unquote] Phil Udell, the owner of an iron and metal company, remembered Ruby like this (Exhibit 1246): [quote] Phil Udell ... advised he had known Sparky Rubenstein for approximately 30 years. Udell described Ruby as a clean-cut individual who did possess a hot temper and was good with his fists but was, however, 100 per cent patriotic. Udell stated Ruby was a ticket scalper and all around "hustler" who was not, however, connected with organized crime or the "syndicate" in Chicago. .... Udell concluded by describing Ruby as a sports fan, a lady's man, who enjoyed dancing and a clean living individual who neither drank nor smoke. [unquote] Martin Brauner worked as a lawyer for 25 years and then the district sales manager for a publishing company. He was the one who "used to hang around the same cafes, frequent the same dancehalls, and swimming beaches in the Michigan Avenue area in the years immediately prior to 1931" (Exhibit 1282): [quote] [After 1931,] he would occasionally see Ruby on the street, but stated that during the middle and late 1930s, he did not know what Ruby did for a living. [In 1963, Ruby] remarked to Brauner that he greatly admired Kennedy and put him in the same category as the late Frankin D. Roosevelt, claiming that both of them had been true humaniarians and always stood up for the "underdog" and for this reason he "truly loved them." Brauner explained that Ruby has always been en extreme egomaniac, a very vain individual who never has had much money but has taken his pay in life in the form of any type personal recognition which he could receive from anyone. He liked to hear people call him by name and went out of his way to get to know people, both prominent people as well as the "man on the street." Ruby has always had an "underdog" complex and has always become very emotional when he saw someone who appeared to be destitute. He also became emotional even as a youth when he saw someone in a fight who seemed to be taking a severe beating. He would oftentimes intervene in the fight and attempt to assault the aggressor or the person who appeared to be winning the fight, particulary if the adversary appeared to be smaller or more handicapped in his approach. He stated that he would not say under any circumstances that Ruby was a bully. He recalled that Ruby as a young man was extremely strong and in good physical condition and could hit "like a mule" with his fists when he had to. He said he would never start a fight, but would never run away from a fight. He recalled Ruby as being a "terrific" swimmer and one who had always worked out a lot in various gymnasiums. Brauner stated that being from Chicago, he is familiar with much of the general vice and corruption with regard to the so-called underworld in Chicago. .... [Ruby] gave Brauner no indication whatsoever that he had any underworld or criminal syndicate-type connections. Brauner has never known Ruby to be involved in any political, economic, or sociological type organizations and has never known him to be a "deep thinker." He stated that he has never had any reason to believe that Ruby has had any affiliations with any organizations which could be considered un-American, either to the "right" or to the "left." He recalled that during the late 1920s or possible early 1930s that Ruby was always very emotional in being against any form of totalitarianism. [unquote] Ira Colitz worked at United Auto Parts for 25 years (Exhibit 1289): [quote] He had always realized that Ruby had a quick temper and was always trying to help anyone who was attacked by any means. He also realized that Ruby involved himself in situations in which he was not invited. Ruby as well as others in their Jewish crowd spent considerable time at the Lawndale Poolroom, which was also known as a good restaurant prior to World War II and which was frequented by prominent people. ..... Ruby was a natural-born salesman and took great pride in being able to sell most anything. He spurned regular employment for a nominal wage in preference to being able to travel throughout the country selling novelties, notions, knickknacks, and anything which might sell for a specific occasion. He was also considered a good ticket scalper and travelled to various sporting events to ply this trade. Ruby made most of Barney Ross' fights and frequently travelled to New York to scalp tickets on same. Ross during the 1930s was idolized by the west side group of Jewish people which included Ruby, Colitz, and their crowd. Ruby's closer friends were those who were also more interested in selling. As in Ruby's case, it was necessary for him to continually earn money in order to help support his family. .... Colitz does not feel that Ruby could have been described as a "loner" inasmuch as he was readily accepted by their crowd and was liked by all. Because of his enthusiasm and interest in almost everything, he received the nickname Sparky. Ruby and his sales promotions, although appearing to be somewhat "shady" in nature, were legitimate, and he was able to induce people into buying various wares that could be classified as seconds or irregulars but still were first class merchandise. Being a good salesman, he was obviously somewhat of a con-man, however he was not the type to take advantage of someone who could not afford it. To his knowledge, Ruby had no close associates in any of his selling adventures and preferred to be on his own. [unquote] Daniel Sloan operated a fruit stand at Roosevelt Road and Spaulding Avenue (Exhibit 1319): [quote] He has known Jack Ruby and his family all his life and knew Jack quite well during the 1930s. .... He remembered Jack as a good-hearted fellow who always favored the underdog and would not stand for anyone taking advantage of another person. He further recalled Jack was very patriotic and would not put up with anyone who said anything against the uniform of this country or the country itself. .... Sloan stated that Jack Ruby was not a violent person, but rather one who believed in "righteousness." He knows of no trouble with the police in which Jack was ever involved. .... Sloan stated he could not say a bad word about Jack Ruby and always considered him his friend. [unquote] Harry Smith was a Chicago policeman (Exhibit 1321): [quote] He recalled Sparky Rubenstein as having preceded him by a few years at Marshall High School. He stated that as long as he had known Rubenstein, the latter was completely "legitimate" and had no known criminal connections. [unquote] In addition to those statements by people who knew him, I will also quote William F. Roemer, Jr, who conducted FBI investigations of organized crime in Chicago continuously from 1957 to 1978. He writes in his book Roemer: Man Against the Mob (New York: Ivy, 1989), pp 179-180: [quote] When JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, I was working on organized crime matters in Chicago and keeping tabs on ... the Chicago mob. If the Chicago mob had anythig to do with the killing of Kennedy, [Sam] Giancana (as the Chicago La Cosa Nostra boss) and [Billy] Humphreys (as the leader of the connection guys) would have been the persons in charge. In November 1963, we were listening to Giancana and Humphreys on [bugging equipment code named] Little Al, Mo, and Plumb practically 24 hours a day. Prior to November 22, 1963, we never heard any discussion of any attempt on the life of JFK -- or RFK, for that matter. The mobsters discussed the Kennedys constantly ... but never in any way did they indicate they were interested in assassination. After the assassination, they talked about it frequently. They weren't at all unhappy about it, but they gave absolutely no indication that they knew about it in advance or that they had anything at all to do with it. .... If there had been any connection to the Chicago family, I am quite sure we would have known about it. I firmly believe just what the Warren Commission found, after exhaustive investigations using FBI, CIA, and all other bodies at its command. I believe ... that Ruby's motivation in killing Oswald was just what he claimed -- his anguish over the killing of the charasmatic leader of our country. [unquote] Clearly, Jack Rubenstein was not involved in the Mafia as a young man. Rubenstein was a Communist who was trying to organize the poorest workers, the junkyard workers, with his childhood friend, idealistic lawyer Leon Cooke. When Cooke was murdered by the Mafia in December 1939, Jack Rubenstein adopted the middle name "Leon" in eternal remembrance and vowed to take revenge on the murderers. That is how he was recruited as an agent by the US Government's counter-intelligence services. Rubenstein never dreamed this would eventually lead to his involvement in the assassination of a Democratic President in 1963.