This essay contains information about JFK's childhood, his adventures in politics, and information about his assassination. John F. Kennedy had a seemingly normal childhood, but he also had to deal with many illnesses over a long period of time. John F. Kennedy became a very successful politician during his career, holding several titles. John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963, devastating the American public. Overall, John F. Kennedy was a great American president who led a fascinating life before he was tragically assassinated. John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917, in Brooklyn, Massachusetts, to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and Joseph Patrick Kennedy. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was named in honor of Rose's father, John Francis Fitzgerald, the mayor of Boston popularly known as Honey Fitz ("Life of John F. Kennedy"). Soon, family members began affectionately calling this blond-haired, blue-eyed boy “Jack.” In February 1920, Jack contracted scarlet fever, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. His father spent more than a month visiting him in the hospital, until one day Jack improved and returned home. However, he continued to get sick constantly throughout his childhood. He attended Harvard University, where his older brother was already a student. While they were attending Harvard, his older brother announced that he would become the first Catholic president of the United States, something no one doubted because of his charisma and determination. Straight from Harvard, both Joe and Jack enlisted in the United States Navy. Jack was commissioned a lieutenant and assigned to command a torpedo boat patrolling the South Pacific. On the night of August 2, 1943, Lieutenant Kennedy's crew patrolled the waters searching... middle of paper... determined, Jack Ruby died of a pulmonary embolism due to lung cancer at Parkland Hospital on January 1943. 3rd , 1967. President John F. Kennedy was one of the most beloved United States presidents to serve to date. He accomplished many great things in his life and could have done even more if his life had not been tragically cut short by Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963. To this day, the American public can only hope to know the reasons behind the murder of one of the greatest American presidents who ever lived. Works Cited “JFK Assassination Timeline.” JFK Assassination Timeline Sixth Floor Museum. Sixth Floor Museum, n.d. Web. May 26, 2014. Kennedy, John F. John F. Kennedy Quotes. Bedford, MA: Applewood, 2008. Print."Life of John F. Kennedy." - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, nd Web. May 26 2014.