The only son of President John F. Kennedy, although he had a brother Patrick that died shortly after birth. John-John was born just 2 1/2 weeks after his father was elected President. An adventurous child, with a keen imagination. He was born into the most political family of the 20th century, and he and his sister Caroline spent 1000 days in the White House during the time that has become known as "Camelot".

Camelot ended with his father's death in 1963, which was just three days before his 3rd birthday. Shortly afterwards, his mother decided to move the family to New York, in order to persue a more normal life. It is said that his mother is responsible for his well-balanced childhood, and subsequent sucess in life as an adult. She shield her children from the press, making only necessary public appearances. Jackie Kennedy soon married shipping mogul Aristotle Onasis. This decision subsequently put a 'distance' between the Kennedy's and Jackie and her children. However, she remained willing to allow the children contact with their famous relatives.

John F. Kennedy Jr., was like any other child, attending school, getting involved in sports, becoming quite athletic. Later he opted to attend Brown Univeristy, breaking from Kennedy tradition of attending the more prestigious Harvard. After graduation, John-John, as he is affectionately called, entered law school at New York University Law School, and graduated in 1989. His clerkship was at the Justice Department, Washington D.C. With his internship at Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg and Philips, Los Angeles, CA. After he passed his bar exam, he was manhatten assistant D.A., and he won all six of his cases.

However, John didn't feel the same political calling that his famous family before him had. Having a different upbringing than his father, and uncles, he was raised with different beliefs, and challenges. And he choose a different path to follow.

With his mother's passing in 1995, he seemed to be a bit confused in life, as to which direction to take. There was obvious sadness and grief that John felt, with the loss of his mother. However, he took the inheritence money that he received from his mother's trust, and started his own magazine called George. He was editor-in-chief. The magazine was a success, and opened a new opportunity for John to state his political beliefs without running for office.

On Sept 21st he married, Carolyn Bessette (who was born on January 7, 1966.) It seeemed that the little boy America had come to love, the son of a slain president, had achieved the American Dream. But tragedy struck the Kennedy family again, and on July 16th, 1999 at about 9:40pm, the plane he was flying crashed into the sea, taking his life, as well as the lives of his wife Carolyn and his sister-in-law Lauren Bessette.

John F. Kennedy will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by many. John, may you rest in Peace.

"Once you run for office, you're in it — sort of like going into the military. You'd better be damned sure it is what you want to do and that the rest of your life is set up to accommodate that. It takes a certain toll on your personality and on your family life. I've seen it personally." — J.F.K. Jr.

Related Link:

John F. Kennedy Jr. Biography
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