MOMENT OF IMPACT

It is rare that a single image lives forever in our minds. Bob Jackson, a photographer for the Dallas Times Herald, captured such one moment when given a second chance to photograph history.

Jackson was front and center when President John F. Kennedy arrived in Dallas, TX, in November 1963. A member of the motorcade that escorted the President through the streets of Dallas and into Dealy Plaza, Jackson tossed his initial rolls of film to his editor, Jim Featherstone, in order to make early deadlines. At the moment of the exchange, Jackson heard a shot ring out. His camera was not loaded as he looked up to see what he believed to be a gun barrel being pulled in from the 6th floor window at the Texas Book Depository. Seconds later, Jackson learned that Kennedy had been shot.

Two days passed, and as the country mourned the passing of the President, Jackson wondered how he could have missed such an opportunity.

Declining an assignment to cover the governor's press conference at a local hospital, Jackson instead went to the parking basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters, where Oswald was to be transferred. As Oswald emerged, Jackson was one of many to step forward to document the event. But when Jack Ruby stepped into point-blank range and fired at Oswald, only Jackson caught the exact moment where the bullet felled the prisoner.

The image would forever be linked to the three tragic days in November 1963. And Jackson is forever linked to these events, via his Pulitzer Award-winning work.

Bob Jackson's interest in photography began at the age of 14 when his aunt gave him his first 35mm camera. Photography would remain a hobby throughout his college years and stint in the army, where he began to expand his portfolio, which included amazing coverage of local auto racing events. Jackson took his first professional job in 1960 for the Dallas Times Herald, before taking a staff position with the Denver Post in 1968.

After a return to Dallas for the Times Herald and freelance work in the area, Jackson moved to Colorado Springs in 1980, where he continues to work for The Gazette.

Reflecting on his Pulitzer Award-winning work, Jackson remains very humble. "It was the circumstance of being assigned to a single news event. I never wanted to use the award as a way to parlay greater commercial success for myself."