The Life and Times of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Description: In this lecture, Jim Bates will explore “all things Jackie.” It will cover her early life and background, plus her marriage to John Kennedy and her becoming first lady at the tender age of 31. There will a presentation of her unwitting role in Dallas and the aftermath of JFK’s assassination. In his presentation, Bates will use new material from two separate books: Ask Not: The Kennedy’s and the Women They Destroyed and Bobby and Jackie. A close-up look at her relationship with Bobby Kennedy will be explored as will her marriage to Aristotle Onassis. Lastly, her life after Onassis’ death in 1975 as a book editor and the raising of her children.

Dates: Tuesday, April 29

Time: 10:00 a.m. - noon

Location: TBD

Instructor: Jim Bates, Director of Major Gifts, Springfield College Office of Development

Instructor Bio: Jim Bates is a 1979 graduate of Springfield College and became interested in the subject matter of President Kennedy while a student at the College after attending an evening seminar on the subject. He has spent the last 40-plus years devouring material on the JFK assassination and on the presidency. This includes books, tapes, seminars, and trips to Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, the site of the assassination. Bates spent 35-plus years in the cable programming business where he worked on the creation and building of cable television networks. He is currently the Director of Major Gifts at the College.