Skip to Content

President John F. Kennedy's Life in Pictures

A tribute to one of America's most beloved leaders on the 60th anniversary of his assassination.

Headshot of Katie RobinsonBy Katie Robinson
jfk and jackie kennedy nyc parade
Getty Images

On November 22, 2023, we mark the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. We're taking a look back at his life, which was tragically cut short at the age of 46.

1

c. 1919

jfk as a child
Courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

John F. Kennedy (left) with his older brother Joseph.

2

1925

JFK in his youth
Courtesy of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

John Kennedy, nicknamed "Jack," and his siblings go for a swim in Hyannis Port.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

1927

JFK as a boy
Getty Images

A young JFK, pictured here at age ten.

4

1927

JFK age 10 football uniform
Getty Images

President Kennedy started sports at a young age. Here he is at age ten in a football uniform.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

1931

JFK Family
Courtesy of the John F Kennedy Library

The whole Kennedy family at the beach.

6

1935

JFK on Harvard swim team
Getty Images

In college, Kennedy was a member of the Harvard Swim Team; he's pictured here in the back row, third from the left.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Sometime during the 1930s

young jfk family portrait
Getty Images

This family portrait shows just how large the Kennedy clan was. Jack was the second oldest of nine children.

8

1937

Kennedy sons and father
Getty Images

JFK and his brother Joseph Kennedy Jr. in London with their father, Joseph Kennedy Sr., who served as the American ambassador to Great Britain.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

1938

Kennedy Harvard student
Getty Images

A weary looking Kennedy as an undergraduate at Harvard University.

10

1939

Kennedy siblings
Getty Images

Three Kennedy siblings (Joe, Kathleen, and John F. Kennedy) arrive at the Houses of Parliament in London, during their father's tenure as American ambassador to Great Britain.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

1940

JFK in navy uniform
Getty Images

JFK served in the navy during World War II. He was lauded as a hero for rescuing fellow crew members after their ship was destroyed in a Japanese attack.

12

1943

Navy Lieutenant JFK
Getty Images

Here he is, pictured aboard the torpedo boat he commanded in the Pacific.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

1944

Kennedy in navy uniform
Getty Images

As a lieutenant in the navy, Kennedy was a PT-boat commander.

14

1945

Kennedy brothers in Navy uniform
Getty Images

A portrait of the Kennedy brothers, John F. Kennedy (left) and Joseph Kennedy Jr. (right), seated in their naval uniforms.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

September, 1946

congress candidate JFK under campaign poster
Getty Images

Kennedy first ran for Congress in 1946. Here he is relaxing during the campaign.

16

July, 1947

JFK portrait
Getty Images

A portrait of Representative Kennedy during his first term.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

1951

jfk US Rep Massachusetts
Getty Images

He's pictured here working as a member of the House of Representatives.

18

September, 1952

jfk with siblings during senate campaign
Getty Images

John F. Kennedy gets help from his siblings during his Senate campaign. He served as the junior senator from Massachusetts for eight years.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

June, 1953

JFK and fiance boating
Getty Images

Kennedy goes sailing with his fiancé Jacqueline Bouvier during a trip to the Kennedy family home in Hyannis Port, on the cape.

20

June, 1953

jfk and fiance Jackie on grass
Getty Images

Kennedy and fiancé Jackie chat on grass together in Massachusetts.

Watch Next
 
preview for Society Section Curated
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below