John C. Bogle: 20 things you didn't know about the Father of Index Funds

John Clifton “Jack” Bogle was born on May 8, 1929, in Montclair, New Jersey, and passed away on January 16, 2019, at the age of 89.
He was the founder of The Vanguard Group, one of the world’s largest investment companies.
Bogle is credited with creating the first index fund, which revolutionized the investment industry by offering low-cost, passive investing options to individuals.
He graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1951 and was also a Phi Beta Kappa member.
Bogle initially worked for the investment firm Wellington Management Company, where he rose to become the company’s CEO.
In 1975, he founded The Vanguard Group, which began with just one mutual fund, the First Index Investment Trust, now known as the Vanguard 500 Index Fund.
He was a vocal critic of the mutual fund industry and its high fees, advocating for low-cost, passive investing as the best way for individuals to grow their wealth.
Bogle authored several books, including “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing,” which became a bestseller and is now considered a classic in the investment industry.
He was known for his advocacy for ethical business practices, corporate responsibility, and transparency in the financial industry.
Bogle was a strong proponent of long-term investing and often encouraged investors to stay the course during market fluctuations, famously stating “Stay the course. No matter what happens, stick to your program. I’ve said ‘stay the course’ a thousand times, and I meant it every time. It is the most important single piece of investment wisdom I can give to you.”
Bogle was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including being named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004.
Despite his enormous success in the investment industry, Bogle was known for his frugality and lived a relatively modest lifestyle.
He was a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts.
Bogle was a lifelong supporter of the arts and served on the boards of several cultural organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the American Academy in Rome.
He was a staunch advocate for investor education and financial literacy and founded the Bogle Financial Markets Research Center at his alma mater, Princeton University.
Bogle was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition in his 30s and underwent multiple heart surgeries throughout his life.
Despite his health struggles, he continued to work and remained active in the investment industry until shortly before his death.
Bogle married Eve Sherrerd on September 22, 1956, and had six children and 12 grandchildren.
He attended his wife’s Presbyterian church but maintained his faith as an Episcopalian.
He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the investment industry and his legacy continues to shape the industry to this day.