There have been statements that Ruby was a homosexual. The available evidence does not support the allegation. There is no evidence of homosexuality on his part; Ruby did not frequent known gathering places for homosexuals,[A16-439] many of the reports were inherently suspect or based upon questionable or inaccurate premises,[A16-440] and Ruby and most of his associates and employees denied the charge.[A16-441] All the allegations were based on hearsay or derive from Ruby’s lisp or a “feeling” that Ruby was a “sissy,” seemed “weird,” acted effeminately, and sometimes spoke in a high-pitched voice when angry.[A16-442] Some proceeded upon the erroneous theory that Ruby did not date women.[A16-443]
For the better part of 11 years, Ruby dated Mrs. Alice Reaves Nichols, a blonde divorcee, 4 years younger than he. Mrs. Nichols, secretary to a Dallas life insurance company executive,[A16-444] testified that she saw Ruby twice a week between 1948 and 1956, and once a week from then until about 1959.[A16-445] Ruby discussed marriage with Mrs. Nichols,[A16-446] but Mrs. Nichols stated that while dating Ruby she was seeing other men and he was taking out other women.[A16-447] Although there are sharply conflicting reports about whether Ruby dated women who worked for him,[A16-448] the record indicates that Ruby sought and enjoyed feminine company.[A16-449]
Affection for Dogs
Ruby was extremely fond of dogs. Numerous persons stated that he was constantly accompanied by several of the dogs he owned.[A16-450] Testimony at Ruby’s trial in March 1964 indicated that he referred to his dogs as his “children.”[A16-451] He also became extremely incensed when he witnessed the maltreatment of any of his dogs.[A16-452]
Religious Interests
Reared in the Jewish faith, Jack Ruby was not especially devout. Rabbi Hillel Silverman, whose conservative temple Ruby favored, reported that when Ruby’s father died in 1958, Ruby came to services twice daily for the prescribed period of 11 months to recite the traditional memorial prayer.[A16-453] Ruby normally attended services only on the Jewish high holy days and he was quite unfamiliar with the Hebrew language.[A16-454]
Ruby was apparently somewhat sensitive to his identity as a Jew. He forbade his comedians to tell stories directed at Jews or Jewish practices[A16-455] and, on several occasions after 1947, he fought with persons making derogatory remarks about his ethnic origins.[A16-456] The evidence also indicates that he was deeply upset that an advertisement insulting President Kennedy appeared above a Jewish-sounding name.[A16-457]
Physical Activities and Violence
While in Dallas, Ruby continued attempts to keep in excellent physical condition. He frequently exercised at the YMCA, the Carousel, and his apartment, where he maintained a set of weights.[A16-458] Ruby was extremely concerned about his weight and health, including his baldness,[A16-459] and about his appearance in general.[A16-460]
Ruby’s concern for his physical well-being was partially motivated by practical considerations, for he was his own unofficial club bouncer. On about 15 occasions since 1950, he beat with his fists, pistol whipped, or blackjacked patrons who became unruly.[A16-461] At other times, he ejected troublesome customers without a beating,[A16-462] in many instances, justifiably.[A16-463] However, many people stated that he employed more force than necessary, particularly because he often ended a fracas by throwing his victim down the stairs of the Carousel.[A16-464]