Jim Braden or, using his real name, Eugene Hale Brading, was a con man with a string of arrests from Florida to New Jersey and on to California. On several occasions he used his skills to marry wealthy widows.

On November 21, he arrived in Dallas with fellow grifter Morgan Brown. They checked in to the Cabana Motel, across the Stemmons Freeway from the Texas School Book Depository. Several other persons of interest were also staying there.

He met with H L Hunt that afternoon and it is reported that Jack Ruby was in the meeting as well. Later Ruby came to see him there around midnight.

On the day of the assassination, Braden was arrested for strange behavior in the Dal-Tex Building which overlooks Dealey Plaza. His story was that he was looking for a phone to make a call. He was questioned further but was released soon without being charged. When Brown heard of the arrest he got himself out of town as quick as he could.