Jim Levy (gunfighter)

James "Jim" H. Levy (Leavy) (1842 - June 5, 1882) was a Jewish gunfighter in the Old West. He is remembered today by Western historians for participating in at least two instances of a quick draw duel. In his time, Levy was one of the most notorious gunmen in the Old West known for challenging other gunmen to a duel. He is featured in the book Deadly Dozen, written by author Robert K. DeArment as one of the twelve most underrated gunmen of the 19th century West.

Historian Erik J. Wright notes that Levy's names was in fact spelled "Leavy" as it was spelled this way on a number of primary documents from his time in Nevada and Arizona.

Jim Levy was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1842 of Jewish parents. While he was young, his parents took him with them and immigrated to the United States. By 1871, Levy headed out West to Pioche, Nevada and worked as a miner. In May of that same year, Jim witnessed a gunfight between Michael Casey and Tom Gasson. Gasson was mortally wounded in the shootout, but before dying he promised a reward of $5,000 to anyone who can avenge his death. During the investigation that followed, Casey stated he shot the man in self-defense, but soon after Levy testified against him, saying that it was Casey who shot first. This infuriated Casey and he hunted down Levy.

While many historians claim Leavy/Levy was of Jewish descent, no proof of this exists.

Casey managed to track down Levy in a local store and wasted no time in challenging him to a duel. Levy accepted his challenge, but excused himself first to get a firearm. The two decided to meet in an alleyway behind the store. After getting his gun, Levy called out to Casey and they finally squared off. Levy managed to shoot first, grazing Casey's skull, before firing again, this time hitting Casey in the neck. As the latter fell to the ground heavily wounded, Levy charged towards him and hit him in the head with his pistol. Unfortunately for Levy, a companion of Casey who was also in the alleyway, and he retaliated by shooting Levy in the jaw, forever disfiguring his face.

Levy was soon after arrested but was later acquitted for self-defense. Levy then collected his bounty and resigned from his job as a miner. He traveled to Virginia City, Nevada; to Cheyenne, Wyoming; Deadwood, South Dakota; Leadville, Colorado; and Arizona—to Tombstone, and Tucson for the next 10 years, now working as a professional gambler and gunman. In 1873, it was reported that he had another gunfight with a man named Thomas Ryan before leaving Nevada, but he was again acquitted. It is also estimated that during that time, Levy fought and survived over sixteen shootouts.

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