Ruby frequently expressed to some fellow soldiers his high regard for Franklin Delano Roosevelt.[A16-210] Two independent sources reported that he cried openly when informed of Roosevelt’s death in April 1945.[A16-211] This did not indicate any sudden political interest, however, since none of his known military associates reported such an interest, and Ruby’s admiration for President Roosevelt anteceded his military days.[A16-212]
While in service, Ruby is reported to have continued his promotional ventures. One person recalled that in 1944, Jack received punchboards and chocolates from someone in Chicago and peddled these items through the base to make extra money. This person also indicated that Ruby enjoyed card and dice games in or near the barracks.[A16-213]
POSTWAR CHICAGO (1946-47)
Following his discharge from the Army Air Forces in February 1946, Jack Ruby returned to Chicago. He joined his three brothers, who had previously been discharged from the service,[A16-214] in the Earl Products Co. Earl Ruby testified that he was the sole investor in the enterprise, but each brother received an equal ownership interest on his return from the service.[A16-215] The company manufactured and sold small cedar chests and distributed punchboards.[A16-216] In addition, it made aluminum salt and pepper shakers, key chains, bottle openers, screwdrivers, and small hammers.[A16-217] Sam supervised the manufacturing end of the business, while Earl managed the office and advertising.[A16-218] Jack was in charge of sales, but the company was small and he had no subordinates.[A16-219]
Because insufficient profits led to frequent arguments, Hyman soon left Earl Products.[A16-220] Jack, who stayed with the company through most of 1947, had many disputes with his brothers because he insisted on selling the products of other companies, such as costume jewelry, and he did not like traveling outside the Chicago area. Earl and Sam finally purchased Jack’s interest, paying him more than $14,000 in cash.[A16-221]
Although there is some evidence to the contrary,[A16-222] it is unlikely that Ruby was in the nightclub business in Chicago during the postwar period. Many who have reported this may have mistaken him for Harry Rubenstein,[A16-223] who was convicted of manslaughter and operated several such establishments.[A16-224] None of Jack Ruby’s close friends or relatives indicated that he was in the nightclub business.
Following his return from the Army, Ruby was described as ready to fight with any person who insulted Jews or the military.[A16-225] Earl Ruby testified that on one occasion in 1946, Jack returned from downtown Chicago with his suit covered with blood. He explained at that time that he had fought with a person who had called him a “dirty Jew or something like that.”[A16-226]
Other evidence indicates that Ruby’s personality was not substantially changed by his military experience. One person who met him in 1947, reported that Ruby was a “fashionable” dresser.[A16-227] He continued to be described as soft spoken,[A16-228] although he was also known as hot-tempered.[A16-229] Ruby worked out regularly at an athletic club,[A16-230] and one friend regarded him as a “Romeo,” who was quite successful in attracting young women.[A16-231]