James Leavelle Oral History
Object number2002.001.0017
Date06/10/2002
ClassificationsOral Histories
Oral history interview subject
James R. Leavelle
Oral history interviewer
Stephen Fagin
Oral history interviewer
Gary Mack
(1946 - 2015)
ObjectOral history
Credit LineOral History Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumHi-8 videotape
Dimensions119 Minutes
DescriptionVideotaped oral history interview with James "Jim" Leavelle. A longtime Dallas police homicide detective, Leavelle was immortalized in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald. Wearing a light-colored suit and cowboy hat, he was handcuffed to Oswald and helped wrestle Jack Ruby to the ground. Two decades earlier, as a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Whitney, Leavelle survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Interview conducted at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza on June 10, 2002 by Gary Mack and Stephen Fagin. The interview is one hour and fifty-nine minutes long.
Curatorial CommentaryDetective Leavelle, whose look of shock as Jack Ruby shot Lee Harvey Oswald was so clearly captured on film and video, has tirelessly defended the Dallas Police Department's actions and reputation. Even into his 90s, Leavelle patiently explains to researchers, students and anyone who asks what officers did in those days and why, comparing and contrasting their efforts with those of law enforcement agencies today. His cream-colored Neiman Marcus suit and Resistol hat has been on exhibit at this Museum several times over the years. - Gary Mack, Curator
In addition to this 2002 video recording, Mr. Leavelle participated in several follow-up interviews and public programs at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza that are also part of the Museum's Oral History Collection. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 99. - Stephen Fagin, Curator
