But many other friends and acquaintances recalled that he had a hot temper and was quickly moved to violent acts or words.[A16-108] One friend explained that in the “tough” Chicago neighborhood where they lived, self-defense was vitally important and added that Ruby was fully capable of defending himself.[A16-109] Another friend described Ruby as quick tempered and, though unlikely to pick fights, willing to accept any challenge without regard to the odds against him.[A16-110] Young Jack also interfered in fights, particularly when the person he was aiding appeared to be taking a severe beating or in a disadvantageous position.[A16-111] Others reported that he had the reputation of being a good street brawler.[A16-112] One school friend recalled that when Jack argued vehemently about sports, he occasionally used a stick or other available weapon. He reported, however, that after Ruby’s anger subsided, he reverted to his normal, likable character.[A16-113]
From early childhood, Jack Ruby was called “Sparky” by those who knew him.[A16-114] According to his sister Eva Grant, the nickname derived from the way Jack wobbled when he walked. He was thought to resemble the slow-moving horse called “Sparky” or “Sparkplug” depicted in a contemporary comic strip. Mrs. Grant testified that her brother became incensed when called “Sparky” and that from the time he was about 8 years old he would strike anyone calling him by that name.[A16-115] A childhood friend also recalled that Jack hated the nickname and would fight when called by it.[A16-116] Mrs. Grant was unsure whether the nickname “Sparky” did not also result from his quick reaction to the taunts of young friends.[A16-117] Hyman Rubenstein thought that the nickname derived from Jack’s speed, aggressiveness, and quick thinking. The many accounts of Ruby’s lightninglike temper lend credence to the theory, widely held, that his nickname was connected with his volatility.[A16-118]
YOUNG MANHOOD (1933-43)
San Francisco (1933-37)
Jack Ruby reported that in about 1933, he and several Chicago friends went to Los Angeles and, shortly thereafter, to San Francisco.[A16-119] Although there is evidence that he stayed there until 1938, 1939, or 1940,[A16-120] Ruby stated that he returned to Chicago in about 1937,[A16-121] and this appears to have been the case.[A16-122] Eva Grant testified that Ruby went to the west coast because he believed employment would be available there.[A16-123]
Eva, who married Hyman Magid in Chicago in 1930,[A16-124] was divorced in early 1934, and in about June of that year joined her brother Jack in San Francisco. She and her son, Ronald, shared an apartment with him. In 1936, Eva married Frank Granovsky, also known as Frank Grant, in San Francisco, and Ruby shared a four-room apartment with them and Ronald for a short while.[A16-125]
Occupations and Activities
Ruby stated that when he and his friends arrived in Los Angeles, they sold a handicapper’s tip sheet for horseraces at Santa Anita racetrack which had just opened.[A16-126] Eva Grant testified that Ruby also worked as a singing waiter in Los Angeles, but made very little money.[A16-127]
When the group moved to San Francisco, Ruby continued to sell “tip” sheets at Bay Meadows racetrack.[A16-128] Subsequently, he became a door-to-door salesman of subscriptions to San Francisco newspapers.[A16-129] Although there is some evidence that he ultimately became chief of his crew and had several people working under him,[A16-130] other reports indicate that this is unlikely.[A16-131] Eva Grant testified that she also sold newspaper subscriptions but was less proficient than her brother and relied upon him for advice and support.[A16-132]
Although virtually all his San Francisco acquaintances knew Jack Ruby as “Sparky,”[A16-133] there is no evidence that he engaged in violent activities in San Francisco or was reputed to possess a vicious temper. One friend, who stated that he resided with Ruby and Eva for about a year, described him as a “well-mannered, likable individual who was soft spoken and meticulous in his dress and appearance.”[A16-134] Another friend described him as a “clean-cut, honest kid,”[A16-135] and the manager of a crew with which Ruby worked stated that he had a good reputation and appeared to be an “honest, forthright person.” The crew manager reported that Ruby associated with a sports crowd, some of whose members were involved with professional boxing, but not with criminals. He added that Ruby had a personal liking for law enforcement and would have wanted to become a police officer had he been larger physically.[A16-136]