Bettmann Archive/Getty
John F. Kennedy Jr.was the second child and only son of President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline.
Though he encountered tragedy early on with theloss of his fatherat the age of three, he grew up living a relatively private life and was famously close to his mother and big sister, Caroline. JFK Jr. managed to carve a path for himself, becoming an attorney in 1990 after attending New York University School of Law. In 1995, he launched his own magazine,George.
After several high-profile relationships, JFK Jr. wed Carolyn Bessette in aprivate ceremonyheld at the First African Baptist Church in Georgia.
Their love story would end in tragedy when the coupledied in a plane crashon July 16, 1999, along with Carolyn's sister, Lauren Bessette.
On what would have been JFK Jr.'s 65th birthday, look back at some of his childhood photos.
Welcome Home, John-John
Bettmann Archive/Getty
Caroline Kennedy immediately stepped into big sister mode, seen in this sweet shot with her newborn brother in 1960.
Work Hard, Play Hard
Bettmann Archive/Getty
John Jr. was the perfect distraction as he ran around the Oval Office in this 1962 photo with his dad.
Story Time
John F. Kennedy Library/John F. Kennedy Library/Getty
JFK Jr. clearly took his story time seriously. The tot was seen grabbing for his book as mom and Caroline had a chat on the side at the White House in August 1962.
Start Them Young
PhotoQuest/Getty
A love for horses started early for John Jr., who was pictured snug in his mother's arms as they rode around Glen Ora that November.
A Little Macaroni
Photoquest/Getty
Baby John Jr. is pictured in little dungarees while playing with dad, his sister and their pony Macaroni outside the Oval Office.
Paying Respects
Bettmann Archive/Getty
On Nov. 25, 1963, his third birthday, young JFK Jr. was photographed saluting his father's casket as it left St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Sharing Memories
Lee Lockwood/Getty
In May 1964, Jackie Kennedy arrived hand-in-hand with John Jr. and Caroline to visit the president's gravesite on his first birthday after his assassination.
Making Trouble
Bettmann Archive/Getty
A playful John got a stern talking to from his mother after he became restless during the Kamehameha Day parade in Honolulu in 1966.
Dressed to the Nines
Images Press/IMAGES/Getty
JFK Jr. and Caroline looked stylish in this undated picture from the '70s.
Going Easy
Robin Platzer/Images/Getty
Known for being highly athletic, it's no surprise JFK Jr. was also great on skates.
At the Ball Game
PL Gould/Images/Getty
John and his sister enjoyed a tennis match at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in 1976.
Special Honors
The Kennedy family was snapped in high spirits as they attended the official groundbreaking for the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston in 1977.
Fun Times
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
He kept things light, making his classmates laugh during his graduation from Phillips Academy Andover in 1979.
Showing Support
Bettmann Archive/Getty
The proud little brother was on hand to support Caroline as she graduated from Radcliffe College in 1980.
JFK Jr., the Thespian
Bettmann Archive/Getty
While at Brown, JFK Jr. tried his hand at acting, playing Bonario inVolponeduring his freshman year.
Read the original article onPeople
