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A photo of John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy 1917 - 1963

John Fitzgerald Kennedy of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, in Washington, District Of Columbia United States was born on May 29, 1917 in Brookline, Norfolk County, MA to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. He had siblings Rosemary Kennedy, Robert Francis Kennedy, Jean Ann (Kennedy) Smith, Patricia Helen (Kennedy) Lawford, Ted Kennedy, Eunice (Kennedy) Shriver, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr, and Kathleen (Kennedy) Cavendish. John was baptized in 1917 at Brookline, Norfolk Co, MA. He married Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on September 12, 1953, and they were married until death separated them on November 22, 1963. He had children Arabella Kennedy, Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Patrick Bouvier Kennedy. John Kennedy died at age 46 years old on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Dallas County, TX, and was buried on November 25, 1963 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia United States of America.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy
JFK, President Kennedy
Name
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The White House Pennsylvania Avenue NW, in Washington, District Of Columbia 20500, United States
Last residence
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May 29, 1917
Brookline, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States
Birth
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November 22, 1963
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States
Death
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John F. Kennedy John Kennedy (1917 - 1963)
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John Fitzgerald Kennedy's History: 1917 - 1963

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  • Introduction

    John Fitzgerald Kennedy, or JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917, Kennedy came from a politically prominent family and had a privileged upbringing. He attended Harvard University and served in the Navy during World War II, earning the Purple Heart and other honors for his bravery. Kennedy's political career began in 1947 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He went on to serve as a Senator from Massachusetts, where he gained a reputation for his eloquent speeches and his progressive stance on civil rights and social issues. In 1960, Kennedy won the Democratic nomination for president, defeating Richard Nixon in a closely contested election. As president, Kennedy worked to improve the economy, expand social programs, and promote civil rights. He also played a key role in the Cold War, negotiating with the Soviet Union and defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis. Despite his short time in office, Kennedy's legacy is enduring. He inspired a generation with his vision of a more just and equitable society, and his tragic death only served to cement his place in history. Today, JFK is remembered as one of America's greatest presidents, and his accomplishments continue to inspire and shape the nation.
  • 05/29
    1917

    Birthday

    May 29, 1917
    Birthdate
    Brookline, Norfolk County, Massachusetts United States
    Birthplace
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  • Ethnicity & Family History

    John F. Kennedy's family history is rooted in Irish heritage. His ancestors immigrated to the United States from Ireland during the 19th century and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. JFK's grandfather, Patrick Joseph Kennedy, was a successful businessman and politician who served in the Massachusetts state legislature and as the state's public works commissioner. JFK's parents were Joseph P. Kennedy, a wealthy businessman and diplomat, and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the daughter of a prominent Boston politician. The Kennedy family was one of the most powerful and influential political dynasties in American history, with several family members serving in high-level political positions. Growing up, JFK and his siblings were raised in a privileged environment, attending elite private schools and being exposed to the world of politics from an early age. JFK's father, Joseph P. Kennedy, was a key advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and later served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. Despite their wealth and social status, the Kennedy family faced their share of tragedy and adversity. JFK's older brother, Joe Jr., was killed during World War II, and his sister, Kathleen, died in a plane crash. JFK himself suffered from various health problems throughout his life, including Addison's disease and chronic back pain.

  • Nationality & Locations

    He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1917, and grew up in a large family home. The Kennedy family moved to nearby Chestnut Hill in 1920. Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, was the Kennedy family's summer home, where JFK and his siblings spent many of their childhood summers. JFK continued to visit Hyannis Port throughout his life, and the Kennedy family owns a compound there. JFK spent time in London, England, during his father's tenure as the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940. JFK attended the prestigious London School of Economics during this period. After his military service in World War II, JFK was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946 and moved to Washington, D.C. He later served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts before being elected President in 1960. JFK and his family moved into the White House in January 1961 after his inauguration as President. They lived there for the duration of his presidency, until JFK's assassination in 1963. After leaving the White House, JFK's widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, purchased a property on Martha's Vineyard, a popular vacation spot off the coast of Massachusetts. She named the property "Red Gate Farm" and spent summers there with her children until her death in 1994.

  • Early Life & Education

    John F. Kennedy received a comprehensive education from some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. He attended the Dexter School, a private preparatory school in Brookline, Massachusetts, from 1922 to 1927, before moving on to the Choate School, a boarding school in Wallingford, Connecticut. JFK was an average student in high school, but he was known for his charm and social skills. After graduating from Choate in 1935, JFK enrolled in Harvard University, where he studied political science and international affairs. JFK was an excellent student at Harvard, and he was involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including the varsity swim team and the Spee Club, a prestigious social organization. JFK graduated from Harvard in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his graduation from Harvard, JFK attended Stanford Graduate School of Business for several months before leaving to join the U.S. Navy. After the war, JFK returned to the United States and enrolled in the law school at Harvard. He earned his law degree in 1948 and subsequently worked as a reporter for the Hearst newspapers and as a special correspondent for the International News Service.
  • 1917

    Baptism

    1917
    Baptism date
    Brookline, Norfolk Co, MA
    Place of worship

  • Religious Beliefs

    John F. Kennedy was a Roman Catholic, which made him the first and only Catholic president of the United States. His faith played a significant role in his life, shaping his values and beliefs. During the 1960 presidential campaign, JFK faced questions about his religion, with many Americans expressing concern that his loyalty to the Vatican would compromise his ability to serve as President. In response, JFK delivered a historic speech to a group of Protestant ministers in Houston, Texas, in which he affirmed his commitment to the separation of church and state and promised to uphold the Constitution.

  • Military Service

    John F. Kennedy's military service played an important role in his life and helped shape his leadership style. After completing his undergraduate studies at Harvard, JFK entered the U.S. Navy in 1941. During World War II, he served as the commander of PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat in the South Pacific. In August 1943, PT-109 was patrolling near the Solomon Islands when it was struck by a Japanese destroyer and sunk. JFK and his crew were forced to swim to a nearby island, where they were stranded for several days until they were rescued. JFK's leadership during the incident earned him a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism. After the war, JFK continued to serve in the Navy's Reserve, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and received several military awards for his service, including the Purple Heart and the World War II Victory Medal.

  • Professional Career

    John F. Kennedy had a distinguished career in both politics and public service. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, JFK entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. He served three terms as a congressman before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1952. JFK served in the Senate for eight years, becoming known for his advocacy of civil rights and his support of increased military spending. In 1960, JFK announced his candidacy for President of the United States, running against Richard Nixon. JFK's campaign emphasized his youth, energy, and vision for a better future, and he won a close election in November of that year. He was inaugurated as President on January 20, 1961, becoming the youngest person ever elected to the office. As President, JFK faced several major challenges, including the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also implemented several important policies, including the creation of the Peace Corps and the initiation of the Apollo space program. JFK also championed civil rights, delivering a historic speech in 1963 in which he called for an end to segregation and discrimination in America. Tragically, JFK's presidency was cut short by his assassination on November 22, 1963. Despite his brief time in office, JFK's legacy continues to be felt today, with many Americans remembering him as a charismatic and inspiring leader who worked tirelessly to build a better future for his country and the world.

  • Personal Life & Family

    John F. Kennedy was known for his charm, wit, and charisma, which helped make him one of the most popular presidents in American history. He was married to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, a socialite and journalist, from 1953 until his death in 1963. Together, they had three children: Caroline, John Jr., and Patrick. JFK was an avid reader and enjoyed literature and history. He was known to be a skilled writer and wrote several books during his lifetime, including "Profiles in Courage," which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1957. He also had a love for sports, particularly sailing and golf. However, JFK's personal life was not without controversy. He was known to have numerous extramarital affairs, some of which were with high-profile individuals, including Marilyn Monroe. JFK also suffered from a number of health issues throughout his life, including Addison's disease, chronic back pain, and gastrointestinal problems.
  • 11/22
    1963

    Death

    November 22, 1963
    Death date
    assassination
    Cause of death
    Dallas, Dallas County, Texas United States
    Death location
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  • 11/25
    1963

    Gravesite & Burial

    November 25, 1963
    Funeral date
    Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia United States of America
    Burial location
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26 Memories, Stories & Photos about John

Smiling John F. Kennedy
Photo of Daniel Pinna Daniel Pinna
620 favorites
07/11/2022
Smiling John F. Kennedy
A smiling John F. Kennedy at the Presidential podium.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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First Presidential Debate - Nixon Kennedy
Photo of Daniel Pinna Daniel Pinna
9.25k+ favorites
10/15/2012
First Presidential Debate - Nixon Kennedy
The first televised United States presidential debate was held in Chicago on September 26th, 1960 between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon. There were a total of four televised debates between these two candidates however the first debate gathered the most attention with upwards of 70 million viewers.

Most Americans believed that Kennedy had won the first presidential debate. Nixon did not prepare well for the televised event. He had campaigned until a few hours before the debate, refused makeup, and was still recovering from a hospital stay, resulting in his appearing ill. In contrast, Kennedy was well rested, prepared and appeared confident and healthy.

While the Kennedy / Nixon presidential debate was the first televised debate, there were previous political debates, most notably the 1858 Senate debates between Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas.
Date & Place: at CBS WBBM-TV Studio in Chicago, Illinois United States of America
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Jack and Jackie Kennedy Honeymoon
Photo of Kathy Pinna Kathy Pinna
31.2k+ favorites
12/02/2016
Jack and Jackie Kennedy Honeymoon
A photo of future President Jack Kennedy and future First Lady Jackie Kennedy on their honeymoon in Acapulco Mexico in 1953.
Date & Place: in Acapulco, Acapulco de Juárez County, Gro. Mexico
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Violet Tsamwa
13 favorites
08/27/2022
I like stories about JFK and Jackie Kennedy.
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President Kennedy
Amelia Bens
23 favorites
08/13/2021
President Kennedy
Portrait of President Kennedy smiling
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Carmel with JFK
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
07/16/2021
Carmel with JFK
Meeting the President.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Peter Lawford and President Kennedy
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
16.8k+ favorites
07/21/2020
Peter Lawford and President Kennedy
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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John Kennedy's Family Tree & Friends

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Friendships

John's Friends

Friends of John Friends can be as close as family. Add John's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood.
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18 Followers & Sources
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Other Biographies

Other John Kennedy Biographies

Kennedy, John Kennedy, John (Aug 8, 1868 - Sep 2, 1949) Kennedy, John Kennedy, John (Sep 23, 1914 - 1992) Kennedy, John (Nov 7, 1892 - Aug 9, 1962) Kennedy, John Kennedy, John Kennedy, John (circa 1896 - Aug 2, 1920) Kennedy, John (circa 1902 - Feb 15, 1942) Kennedy, John (circa 1867 - Dec 1, 1918)
Kennedy, John (circa 1924 - Jun 17, 1944) Kennedy, John (circa 1920 - Oct 16, 1943) Kennedy, John (1876 - Aug 22, 1915) Kennedy, John (circa 1923 - Mar 11, 1947) Kennedy, John (circa 1909 - Jun 11, 1941) Kennedy, John (circa 1924 - Jan 8, 1945) Kennedy, John (circa 1899 - Jun 2, 1916) Kennedy, John (circa 1923 - Jul 20, 1944) Kennedy, John (circa 1924 - Sep 8, 1940) Kennedy, John (circa 1915 - Jul 24, 1942)

Other Kennedy Family Biographies

Kennedy, William (Born Apr 15, 1835) Kennedy, John (Born Jun 10, 1806) Coleman, Mary (Born Aug 31, 1848) Kennedy, Thomas (Born Apr 4, 1847) Kennedy, Alta (Feb 3, 1908 - Jan 1979) Kennedy, Alta Edna Smith (Born Feb 3, 1908) Kennedy, Joe (Born 1870) Kennedy, Aaron (Born 1845) Kennedy, Minnie (Born circa 1897) Kennedy, Charles (Born 2009)
Kennedy, John (Nov 25, 1960 - Jul 16, 1999) Kennedy, Matthew (Born Oct 4, 1980) Kennedy, Carolyn (Jan 7, 1966 - Jul 16, 1999) Kennedy, Arabella (Aug 23, 1956 - Aug 23, 1956) Kennedy, Thomas (Born 1461) Schlossberg, Caroline (Born Nov 27, 1957) Kennedy, Patrick (Aug 7, 1963 - Aug 9, 1963) Kennedy, Patrick (Jan 14, 1858 - 1929) Kennedy, Allen (Jan 16, 1913 - Oct 27, 2004) Kennedy, Esther (May 15, 1913 - Dec 1968)
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