James H. Leavy (c. 1842 – June 5, 1882) was an Irish 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, Leavy 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 Leavy's name was in fact spelled "Leavy" as it was spelled this way on a number of primary documents from his time in Nevada and Arizona.[1]