J.B. West

J.B. West, born in Afton, Iowa, began his career in Washington in the Veterans Administration after moving there in 1939. He later became an assistant chief usher at the White House before being promoted to the role of chief usher, a position he held from 1957 to 1969. As the chief usher, West was responsible for overseeing all activities in the Executive Residence and was often considered the second most powerful man in Washington, next to the president. His responsibilities included managing state dinners, weddings, and funerals, as well as tending to the personal needs and wants of six presidents and first ladies.

West's tenure as chief usher was marked by his ability to discreetly and efficiently manage the large permanent staff that provided for the personal needs of the first families. He was known for his wit and his ability to handle any special request made by the presidents and first ladies. His service at the White House began in 1941, and he remained in the position until his retirement in 1969.

After his retirement, West wrote a memoir titled "Upstairs at the White House," which was published in 1973. The book became a bestseller and received more than five hundred positive reviews. It was also translated into seven languages and sold over two million copies in the US. The memoir provides a unique and personal look into the lives of six presidents and first ladies, and it is considered one of the most useful memoirs ever written by a White House staffer. West passed away in 1983 due to respiratory failure.