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Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

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I think I read that Mr. Leavell fell and broke his hip just days before his passing. I don't understand why a broken hip turns into such a detrimental death sentence for the elderly, or maybe it was just coincidence in his case.

Common. Hip fracture leads to blood clots infection etc. One in three people over 50 who break their hip are dead within 12 months. Sobering stat.

My mom broke her hip at age 93. Doctor said she probably wouldn't survive the surgery. All they could do was make her comfortable and give her morphine. She lasted about a week. Death certificate says cause of death was "failure to thrive."

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Originally posted by parabellum:
When you and I die, we shall be forgotten in a generation or two, but Jim Leavell is- in a sense- immortal because of his proximity to history.

Ninety-nine years is just about all any human can ask for and he surely made the most of it, so, I disagree with anyone who thinks we should be sad right now. On the contrary. We're perpetuating the man's life.

I gotta disagree with you on “proximity”.
“Proximity” is the guys in the back right of the photo who you can barely see.
Jim Leavell, by luck of the draw in assignments that day, was handcuffed to history. Up front and center!

I truly hope that man led whatever lifestyle he chose from that day till his last breath. He deserved it.

Hang on, let me see if I can find a better hair-splitter for you.

What does it matter? Alter my words to suit yourself. Be my guest.

Show that photo to a thousand people and ask them to name those in it. How many would be able to name Oswald? The answer is - more than can name Ruby. How many can name Ruby? The answer is - FAR more than can name Leavell.

'Proximity' is the word I chose, because I feel it to be accurate, but print out my post and break out your crayon if you wish.

Not trying to split hairs, or alter your words at all.

You’re right, show that picture to a ton of people, most will know Lee Harvey, less will know Ruby.

But the biggest guy in the frame is Leavell.
And up until hours ago, I’ll bet the response was “Oh, that guy!”.

Everyone knows the picture, but few know the names.

"proximity
The word proximity means nearness or closeness. "

The photo is one of the most recognizable photos from the 20th century and I don't recall hearing the name Leavelle until yesterday.
Lee Harvey Oswald, Rubenstein, AKA Ruby and others, yes.