Jim Leavelle Obituary (1920 - 2019) - Pittsburgh, PA - The Valley News Dispatch

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Jim Leavelle Obituary

James R. “Jim” Leavelle was a Dallas Police Department homicide detective who was escorting Lee Harvey Oswald when he was shot by Jack Ruby. Oswald, who had assassinated President John F. Kennedy two days earlier, died shortly after the shooting.

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Published by The Valley News Dispatch on Aug. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Leavelle

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66 Entries

Condolences to his family and his friends

Carson Loveless

Significant_other

March 15, 2024

Dearest Jimbob and my twin' Taimi. Love you both and miss you always. Love you both, as a ever, your U.K. Daughter'.

Diane Adlington

Friend

August 28, 2021

I met Jim in 1995 and we had a great conversation. He even allowed me to make an etching of the handcuff key which he carried with hime everywhere. God speed Jim.

Jack Woodcock

May 13, 2021

Dearest Jimbob, cannot believe you departed 29th August 2019. You are still much missed. ❤❤ Diane, UK.

Diane Adlington

Friend

August 28, 2020

May God bless you and may you rest in peace. My father was serving aboard the USS Whitney at the same time that you were.

John Marks

April 10, 2020

I Am your great niece, and I'd like to know my Father's side of the family

Tammy Leavelle

December 26, 2019

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Leavelle in 2010 in Dallas. He was a very kind and humble man. My condolences to the family.

Melissa Marroquin

Acquaintance

December 20, 2019

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My condolences....

December 2, 2019

Rest in Peace, Jim Leavelle. You have earned Rest And Peace. You were eyewitness to two of the most shocking moments in history, both occurring on Sunday mornings twenty-two years apart. I salute you as a WW2 Veteran, a Lawman, and a member of the vanishing Greatest Generation of Americans.

Rey Criollo

September 8, 2019

Jo ann Woolsey matlock

Family

September 7, 2019

Gary Matlock

Family

September 7, 2019

You will be missed Uncle Jim

Kimberly Leavelle

Family

September 6, 2019

Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the family. May the God of tender mercies and all comfort be with you all during this very difficult time.

MJ, Brandon Mississippi

September 5, 2019

I have known Jim LeaVelle for 56 years and we met at least once a year in Dallas or San Antonio. When I was a newsman at KLIF in Dallas, he often "fed" me tips on police stories and I had the honor of being on several panels with him concerning JFK and Lee Harvey Oswald. He always teased me because I knew one of the exotic dancers in the Carousel Club. We were appearing in a group at the Sixth Floor Museum a few years ago and he said: "Hell...you see that guy down there with the red tie....he had more sources than I did and he knew "Penny Dollar". I replied with tongue in cheek..."That's right Jim....and she could give you a lot of change"..He was the greatest detective I ever met and worked with I told him that and he said, "Hell DeLaune you didn't know anyone else". I'll miss you Jim. We'll swam stories again someday. Gary D.

gary DeLaune

Friend

September 5, 2019

God Bless the Leavelle family. Rest In Peace, Mr. Leavelle.

Bill Brown

September 5, 2019

I had the unbelievable honor of meeting Mr. Leavelle in April 2012. He and Mrs. Leavelle welcomed my father and me into their home, and those three hours spent learning from and conversing with Mr. Leavelle meant so much to me as a high school student with a passion for history. It shall forever remain one of the most indelible memories of my life. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.

Kurt Deion

September 4, 2019

Mr.Leavelle was a true American Hero and a very good friend of ours! RIP dear friend! Tim and Tammy Lee

Tammy LEE

Friend

September 3, 2019

We are losing the Greatest Generation of Americans.
Rest in Peace Jim....know you have the deep appreciation of the American public for your service to the nation.

Jim Hess

September 3, 2019

We have so many great memories of Mr Leavelle. He was a best friend, a wonderful neighbor, honorary grandparent to our kids. He attended school functions, our daughters wedding, and we shared many meals and domino and card game nights. There is so much to remember; he lives in our hearts. We are are so blessed to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family

Nola and David Harkness.

Friend

September 3, 2019

Thank you sir for your service, May mercy and peace be with the family.

September 3, 2019

As the days and weeks pass,and as you return to life's routine,may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

September 3, 2019

It was a week ago last Friday that we celebrated my friend Jim Leavelle's 99th birthday........I was very very sad to learn that Jim had a stroke and passed away last night.......He was a great man whom I had the pleasure of knowing for the last 20 + years....His sincerity , sense of humor, and great story telling will live on forever in the many documentary's that were produced thru out the years....WE WILL ALWAYS CHERISH THE GREAT TIMES AND MEMORY's...............ed

ED EDWARDS

Friend

September 2, 2019

In Nov. of 2013 Mr. Leavelle and his granddaughter spent several hours during lunch with a group from Indiana sharing his story and answering questions.. He was so kind and gracious . On behalf of the group I want extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and our thankfulness for his service to his community and his country, may he rest in peace.

Tom Saunders

Acquaintance

September 2, 2019

We will miss you old friend...all of the hour long stories about you, Cap, and the boys...your brilliant wit at the drop of a hat...the big Texas steaks...but most of all, your friendship. We love you buddy!

Prayers go out to my friend Kate Griendling and the rest of the Leavelle family...

Jeremy Bacon

Friend

September 2, 2019

Great gentleman, great friend, great life!

Bob Jackson

Friend

September 2, 2019

IMG_0795.JPG
Ill sure miss our visits and phone calls. So blessed to have known you!

Amy Tanner

Friend

September 2, 2019

God bless you Jimbob. Rest in peace with my 'twin' dear Taimi. As ever, Diane

Diane Adlington

Friend

September 2, 2019

Rest In Peace

David R Galvan

Acquaintance

September 2, 2019

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

September 2, 2019

Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort you all during this difficult period.

September 2, 2019

A wonderful friend, and family man to us in Oklahoma.

Joann Woolsey-Matlock

Family

September 2, 2019

As a telco tech I repaired Jim's landline many years ago. He invited me inside and was so gracious. He had the iconic photo on his wall in the entry and it dawned on me who he was. Years later I was introduced to him again at the VFW on Garland Rd by a great friend, Harry Freeman, a former cop as well who was the lead escort for JFK that fateful day in Dallas. Jim remembered me as the guy who fixed his phone. We have lost a great person in Jim's passing but Heaven has gained another treasure.

Don Roe

Acquaintance

September 2, 2019

From the perspective of a fellow Law Enforcement officer, for over 43 years I admired Detective Jim Leavelle. I finally was fortunate enough to meet him June 29, 2019. He invited 2 dear friends and myself to his home. We spent 5 hrs. with him and experienced his kindness firsthand. I will never forget sitting next to Jim and going through his historic albums and talking "cop" stuff. The world has lost a great soul. My deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Jim's wonderful family.

Frank Badalson

Friend

September 2, 2019

I remember that Day clearly , watching it unfold in Black/White
TV Live .,RIP Sue Willard Gr.Mich .

September 1, 2019

Rest in peace Big Jim!

September 1, 2019

Bravo Jim, a life well-lived. We are all better off having known you.

Sean DeGrilla

Friend

September 1, 2019

RIP PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.SAN ANTONIO,TEXAS MVG

September 1, 2019

God bless you Jim, thank you and dear Taimi for our much valued friendship. Rest in eternal peace. ❤

Diane

Friend

September 1, 2019

Mr. Leavelle treated all with respect. He took time for everyone. My children called him grandpa. A dear dear friend. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Dave Ledbetter

Friend

September 1, 2019

I was seven years old when President Kennedy was assassinated. I will never forget that tragic day and how you conducted yourself for all the nation to see. you will truly be missed.

RICHARD SOLLANO

Acquaintance

September 1, 2019

Rest In Peace, Jim.

Avinash Machado

September 1, 2019

My condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace, Sir.
Thank you for your military service, and for your service as a lawman.
I was nine years old when Mr. Kennedy was assassinated. I will never forget those days

David Kohler

August 31, 2019

Words cannot say what a great man Jim Leavelle was and the Service he gave Dallas County and the United States of America on that fateful day in 1963. He was an absolute angel and I'm sorry he's gone now. Rest in Peace Jim, you will never be forgotten. Condolences, prayers, live hugs and kisses to Jim's family!!!! Thank you for sharing him with us!!!!

Katherine Leann Ladd

August 31, 2019

Condolences go to the family. He did a lot to serve his country. I hope that you find comfort through the loving memories shared and your faith.

August 31, 2019

Got to talk to Jim at The Summit in Grand Prairie 4yr 7 months ago

Mark Ensley

August 31, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family on your loss. Your loved one lived a long life and will be missed. May the God of comfort give comfort to you during this difficult time.

Mary Smith

August 31, 2019

I'm a 55 yr old resident of the Dallas area for over 45 years & greatly admired Jim Leavelle for even longer than that. I probably saw those iconic photos of him with Oswald as far back as when i was about 8 yrs old & at that moment Jim Leavelle became a heroic giant in my consciousness & he's remained there in my mind ever since.

For years i'd always hoped to be able to meet & talk with Jim Leavelle- however,
we all have busy lives & i simply never took the initiative to meet him.

However, i quite enjoyed reading the previous entry by Gary Fannin of Georgia. Apparently he felt as i do- but did have the pleasure of knowing him. As i read in our local Dallas Morning News article yesterday- apparently Mr Leavelle would quite likely have been more than happy to meet with me. He only lived about 15 miles away from me so that will be my regret forever.

His life's work for the police i'm sure touched countless other young kids like me & Gary Fannin. One can only imagine how many other young kids will see those photos for years from now & be similarly touched by Mr Leavelle's image as we were. It's an amazing person who can positively touch people's lives - yet countless people they've never even known!

Between not only his many years work for the Dallas Police, his military service to us & at Pearl Harbor, his many years of being a wonderful dedicated husband & father- Jim Leavelle will certainly be greatly remembered always & we're fortunate we had him among us.

Scott Wheeler

Neighbor

August 31, 2019

Jim, thank you for sharing your time with us in Dallas at the 6th Floor Depository, proving the best tour anyone could have. We greatly appreciated visiting your home and having dinner at The Palms. The men and women from the Kansas-Western Missouri Chapter of the FBINAA will forever be in your debt. Gods Speed Brother.

Mark Goodloe

Friend

August 31, 2019

To the Family of Jim,

My deepest sympathy, extended condolences and prayers are with each of you during your bereavement.

Jim's will always be remembered for his dedicated service to this country (USA) and the City of Dallas (DPD). He served with dignity, honor and distinction.

Jose Brown

August 31, 2019

Thank you for your service to our country and state. A life well lived.

Martin Marsola

August 31, 2019

With the passing of Jim Leavelle, we have lost yet another member of "The Greatest Generation." My profound thanks for his service to our country.

Les Breese

August 31, 2019

Jim, I'm so glad I got to know you over the years and for helping me sort out the details of the shooting by my fathers client Jack ruby.
You were kind enough to let me see the details through your eyes.
May you rest in peace.
Rebecca Tonahill

Rebecca Tonahill

Acquaintance

August 31, 2019

A life well lived. Godspeed Jim.

Sheila

August 30, 2019

FAREWELL BROTHER !!!!! JIMMY
MATTHEW 14:10 ..... JOSHUA 9:04 ?????? MARK 1:11 ..... & JOHN 2:02-2:25 ???????

ANDREW JOSHUA LAWLESS SR

August 30, 2019

I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May your fondest memories of him comfort you. With each passing day may you receive comfort from God, as well as, from family and friends during this difficult time.

August 30, 2019

My condolences as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one, Jim. Our prayers are that you find comfort and strength during this trying time.

August 30, 2019

Rest in Peace

Scott Chamberland

August 30, 2019

To the entire Leavelle family I want to send my heartfelt condolences for the loss of such a humble, gentle man. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jim many times including his last birthday last Friday. Your humor, intelligence and most of all stories will be missed by those who knew you. You never denied anyone to speak with you and as a young kid in 1988 I appreciated this. RIP my friend and give a big kiss to Taimi. Godspeed Mr. Leavelle.

Gary Fannin

Friend

August 30, 2019

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

dean kuykendall

August 30, 2019

To Karla, Tanya, Kate and the entire Leavelle family, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of such a genuinely humble man as Jim. I was incredibly saddened when I heard the news of my fraternal brother's passing and will forever treasure the times we shared together and the fascinating stories Jim so graciously conveyed to me about his life's experiences and his dear family. Kate, just last week your grandfather went on about how proud he was of you and how happy he was about the birth of his first great-grandchild. Despite his professional achievements and the momentous incidents he had personally experienced during his lifetime, Jim always remained exceptionally gracious and a modest man to all who had the pleasure to make his acquaintance and friendship. I will remain eternally grateful for having had the precious opportunity to speak with him one last time and to wish him a happy 99th birthday Friday morning before he departed for his visit to Colorado. I'll miss my dear friend Jim and feel blessed he considered me among one of his many friends. I pray there is comfort knowing Jim is now at peace with our Lord and has once again been reunited with your mother, grandmother and his dear wife Taimi. God bless the Leavelle family.

Todd Montefusco

August 30, 2019

Tanya, Karla, Kate, and All Family,

I offer my deepest condolences to the family. Your father and grandfather will be missed by all who loved him. I remember watching him in the 1960s when the Pulitzer-Prize-winning photo of the moment was taken, and his name is written in the annals of history. May you continue to treasure the good memories you have and may God give you strength and soothe your hearts during this difficult time. Psalm 23

August 30, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Thank you for all you have done.

Linda Hewlett

August 30, 2019

Godspeed 'Jim"....

Fair winds and following seas sailor.
"Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..."

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Harry Simpson

August 30, 2019

Deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and understanding during your time of sorrow.

August 30, 2019

What an incredible life you have lived and one that will not be forgotten soon.

Margo Dean

August 30, 2019

Rest easy Jim, We got this shift covered. From a Brother in Blue to another.

RANDY HARMON

August 30, 2019

Showing 1 - 66 of 66 results

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