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Jack Ruby

Dallas nightclub owner who shot Lee Harvey Oswald. This page combines historical context with 52 matching records drawn directly from the Kennedy Assassination History archive.

52 matching archive records 1911–1966 record span Open the full 1,932-record archive

Historical context

Jack Ruby: overview and significance

What happened?

Jack Ruby was a Dallas nightclub operator who entered the basement of Dallas Police Headquarters on 24 November 1963 and shot Lee Harvey Oswald during a prisoner transfer. The shooting was broadcast live on television.

Why was it important?

Ruby's killing of Oswald prevented a normal trial of the assassination suspect and immediately generated questions about access, motive and possible conspiracy. Ruby's background and associations became a major subject of the Warren Commission and later investigations.

Archive records

Jack Ruby timeline

The records below are selected from the 1,932-record JFK assassination archive and are rendered as static HTML in chronological order.

1911
1911 25th March

Jacob Rubenstein was born.

Jack Ruby · Chicago · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Jacob Rubenstein was born.

1945
1945

Singapore Supper Club Financing

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby contributed $1,100 toward the lease of the Singapore Supper Club, the Dallas nightclub his sister Eva Grant was preparing to operate.

1947
1947 29th October

Bureau of Narcotics Interview

Jack Ruby · Chicago · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Federal narcotics agents interviewed Jack and Hyman Rubenstein after Paul Roland Jones was arrested; both brothers acknowledged knowing Jones but denied knowing about his narcotics activity.

1947

Singapore Supper Club

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Jack Ruby opens the Singapore Supper Club.

1953
1953

Ervay Theater

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby briefly managed the Ervay Theater, a Dallas motion-picture house, during a period when nightclub operations were otherwise his principal business.

1959
1959 August

Havana Visit

Jack Ruby · Havana · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby visited Havana in 1959 at the invitation of Lewis McWillie, who supervised gambling activities at the Tropicana Hotel; Ruby later described the trip as recreational.

1963
1963 June

Jada Recruitment

Jack Ruby · New Orleans · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby traveled to New Orleans in June 1963 and recruited the stripper known as Jada to become a featured performer at the Carousel Club.

1963 August

New York Talent Trip

Jack Ruby · New York · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby traveled to New York in August 1963 while dealing with American Guild of Variety Artists problems and seeking entertainment talent for his clubs.

1963 October

How Hollywood Makes Movies

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby assisted the producers of the carnival show "How Hollywood Makes Movies" when it appeared at the Texas State Fair in October 1963.

1963 20th November

AGVA Complaint

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby telephoned an American Guild of Variety Artists representative in Chicago on November 20 to complain about competitors' striptease contests and amateur performances.

1963 21st November

Bon Vivant Room

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Around midnight after the evening of November 21, Ruby met Chicago businessman Lawrence Meyers and Meyers' relatives at the Bon Vivant Room of the Dallas Cabana.

1963 21st November

Carousel Membership Cards

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby distributed Carousel Club membership cards on November 21 as part of his routine promotional activity before the assassination.

1963 21st November

Carousel Rent Payment

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

On November 21, Ruby paid the rent for the Carousel Club premises while conducting routine business before President Kennedy arrived in Dallas.

1963 21st November

Dinner with Ralph Paul

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby ate dinner with his friend and financial backer Ralph Paul between about 9:45 and 10:45 p.m. on November 21.

1963 21st November

Federal Tax Attorney Consultation

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby consulted an attorney on November 21 about continuing problems with federal tax authorities and his nightclub tax liabilities.

1963 21st November

Peace Bond Consultation

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby conferred about a peace bond on November 21 that resulted from a dispute and fight involving one of his striptease performers.

1963 21st November

William Alexander Meeting

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby spoke with Dallas County Assistant District Attorney William F. Alexander on November 21 about insufficient-funds checks written by one of Ruby's friends.

1963 22nd November

Alex Gruber Telephone Call

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

At 2:37 p.m. on November 22, Ruby telephoned boyhood friend Alex Gruber in Los Angeles and became emotional while discussing the assassination.

1963 22nd November

Alice Nichols Telephone Call

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby spoke by telephone with former girlfriend Alice Nichols on November 22 and expressed shock over President Kennedy's assassination.

1963 22nd November

Carousel Night Receipts

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

After leaving the Dallas Cabana, Ruby returned to the Carousel Club, closed the establishment, and collected the night's receipts before visiting the Vegas Club.

1963 22nd November

Eileen Kaminsky Telephone Call

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

After learning of Kennedy's death, Ruby telephoned his sister Eileen Kaminsky in Chicago; she later described him as crying and completely unnerved.

1963 22nd November

Hyman Rubenstein Telephone Call

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Shortly after 9 p.m., Ruby telephoned his brother Hyman and two sisters in Chicago and discussed his distress about events in Dallas.

1963 22nd November

Kosher Sandwich Purchase

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

At about 10:30 p.m., Ruby purchased eight kosher sandwiches and ten soft drinks after hearing that Dallas police officers were working overtime.

1963 22nd November

Ritz Delicatessen Purchase

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby bought a large quantity of cold cuts at the Ritz Delicatessen after his sister Eva Grant reminded him to obtain food for the weekend.

1963 22nd November

Weekend Closure Advertisement

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Unable to cancel his newspaper advertisement, Ruby changed it to announce that the Carousel and Vegas clubs would remain closed for the weekend.

1963 22nd November

Weissman Advertisement Reaction

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

At the Dallas Morning News, Ruby criticized the black-bordered "Welcome Mr. Kennedy" advertisement and questioned the identity of its listed chairman, Bernard Weissman.

1963 23rd November

Dallas Times-Herald Visit

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Around 4 a.m., Ruby visited the Dallas Times-Herald composing room, discussed seeing Oswald at the press conference, and spoke about closing his clubs.

1963 23rd November

David Johnston Introduction

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby introduced himself to Justice of the Peace David L. Johnston after the press conference and gave Johnston a Carousel Club business card.

1963 23rd November

Dealey Plaza Visit

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby said he visited Dealey Plaza on November 23, viewed memorial wreaths, and spoke with a police officer about the Texas School Book Depository.

1963 23rd November

Fair Play for Cuba Correction

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

During the Oswald press conference, Ruby joined reporters in correcting District Attorney Henry Wade when Wade mistakenly referred to the "Free Cuba Committee."

1963 23rd November

Free Cuba Committee Correction

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

At Oswald's press appearance, Ruby corrected District Attorney Henry Wade when Wade mistakenly referred to the Fair Play for Cuba Committee as the Free Cuba Committee.

1963 23rd November

Henry Wade Introduction

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

After the press conference, Ruby approached District Attorney Henry Wade, identified himself, and reminded Wade that he operated the Vegas Club.

1963 23rd November

Henry Wade Radio Interview

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby helped KLIF obtain a telephone interview with District Attorney Henry Wade by locating Wade at police headquarters and bringing him to the telephone.

1963 23rd November

Heroism Radio Script

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

After leaving KLIF, Ruby showed reporter Russ Knight a "Life Line" radio script titled "Heroism" and discussed political hostility toward President Kennedy in Dallas.

1963 23rd November

Kay Coleman and Harry Olsen

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Early on November 23, Ruby spent about an hour talking with dancer Kay Helen Coleman and Dallas police officer Harry Olsen about the assassination.

1963 23rd November

Oswald Press Conference

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Around midnight, Ruby attended the Dallas police press conference where Lee Harvey Oswald briefly appeared before reporters and television cameras.

1963 23rd November

Post Office Box Inquiry

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby visited a post office seeking the identity of the person renting a box listed on an "Impeach Earl Warren" billboard, but an employee refused to provide the information.

1963 23rd November

Sols Turf Bar

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

At Sol's Turf Bar, Ruby argued about Dallas and the assassination and displayed photographs of the "Impeach Earl Warren" billboard he had investigated.

1963 24th November

Arrest of Jack Ruby

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Jack Ruby was arrested for the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald.

1963 24th November

Assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

When Ruby was arrested immediately after the shooting, he told several witnesses that he helped the city of Dallas "redeem" itself in the eyes of the public, and that Oswalds death would spare Jacqueline Kennedy the ordeal of appearing at Oswalds trial. Carlin phones Ruby for him to wire her $25, had she not phoned, Ruby would not have been in downtown Dallas. Assassinates Lee Harvey Oswald

1963 24th November

Pago Club Visit

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

After midnight, Ruby visited the Pago Club, ordered a Coke, and questioned why the establishment remained open while the city mourned President Kennedy.

1963 26th November

Indictment for Oswald Murder

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

The State of Texas indicted Jack Ruby on November 26, 1963, for the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald.

1963 November

Twistboard Promotion

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby promoted his twistboard exercise device at the Texas Products Show during the first week of November 1963, using one of his dancers to demonstrate it.

1964
1964 10th February

Change of Venue Hearing

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

A hearing on Ruby's request to move his murder trial outside Dallas began on February 10, 1964; the trial court ultimately refused the requested change of venue.

1964 14th March

Murder Conviction and Death Sentence

Jack Ruby · Dallas · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

A Dallas jury found Ruby guilty of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald on March 14, 1964, and assessed the death penalty.

1964 March

Trial

Jack Ruby · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby's lawyers argued that he could not have received a fair trial in the city of Dallas because of the excessive publicity surrounding the case. Following Ruby's March 1964 conviction for murder with malice, Ruby's lawyers, led by Sam Houston Clinton, appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the

1964 March

Trial

Jack Ruby · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals was the state’s highest criminal court.

1964 September

Assassination of Jack Ruby

Jack Ruby · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

The Warren Commission finds that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the murder of Kennedy, and that Jack Ruby acted alone in the murder of Oswald..

1964 September

Commission Finding

Jack Ruby · Washington · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF · Nightclub Owner

The Warren Commission concludes that Jack Ruby acted alone when he killed Lee Harvey Oswald.

1964

Cuba Influence Examination

Jack Ruby · Washington · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

The Warren Commission examined whether foreign or Cuban influence had any connection to Ruby's shooting of Oswald and reported no evidence establishing such influence.

1966
1966 9th December

Trial

Jack Ruby · Wichita Falls · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Arrangements were underway for a new trial to be held in February 1967, in Wichita Falls, Ruby was admitted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, suffering from pneumonia..

1966 12th December

Death of Jack Ruby

Jack Ruby · Politics · Assassination of Kennedy, JF

Ruby made a final statement from his hospital bed that he and he alone had been responsible for the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald..

Editorial provenance

Sources and editorial review

Compiled and edited by Kennedy Assassination History.

Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from the site's structured JFK assassination records.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

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