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Notable Achievements at Age 86
Died in New York City
James H. Simons died peacefully on May 10, 2024, in New York City, surrounded by family.
Died in Oswego, NY
After a long illness Mary Edwards Walker died at home on February 21, 1919; buried in a black suit in Rural Cemetery, Oswego, NY. She continued to wear her Medal despite revocation.
Obituary published (Legacy/WMC)
An obituary for Dr. John A. Jones was originally published by WMC in Legacy on August 7, 2025.
Survived by immediate family
At the time of obituary publication, he was survived by daughter Diana (James) Eller, three grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren; preceded in death by his wife Nadine Jones and son Gregory Mark Jones.
Died of pneumonia in Plano, Texas
Zig Ziglar died on November 28, 2012 after a brief bout with pneumonia; he was buried/resting in McKinney, Texas.
Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame
Recognized for historic contributions to public health and drug safety.
Death in New York City (Hotel New Yorker)
Died alone in Room 3327 of the Hotel New Yorker on 7 January 1943; left behind unpaid bills and many unfulfilled projects.
Funeral arrangements (private services)
Funeral services were announced as private; family requested memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Death in Mumbai
Admitted in critical condition and died at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai on 9 October 2024 of age-related ailments; state funeral held 10 October 2024.
Will made public – bequest of ~₹10,000 crore (~US$1.2B)
His will (public after death) outlined donations and bequests totalling about ₹10,000 crore (~US$1.2 billion), including ~₹3,800 crore to RTEF and numerous staff/family bequests.
Avalon Nature Preserve extended to 216 acres
Avalon Nature Preserve (established in memory of son Paul) was extended to 216 acres in 2024.
Yves Saint Laurent Aux Musées exhibition across six Parisian institutions
A major 2022 exhibition 'Yves Saint Laurent Aux Musées' took place simultaneously across six Paris museums, highlighting his ties to the art world.
Inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame
Honored with induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio for her contributions to aviation/space software.
Purchased Precision Castparts for $37B
Completed Berkshire's largest-ever acquisition at that time: Precision Castparts for $37 billion (later Buffett said he overpaid).
Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Elected a Fellow, recognizing his contributions to science and clinical practice.
Donated gag file and costumes to Smithsonian
Opened doors to National Museum of American History, offering iconic costumes and her gag file (48-drawer steel cabinet with ~50,000 jokes).
Man's Search for Meaning named among ten most influential books
1991 Library of Congress/Book of the Month Club survey named Man's Search for Meaning one of the ten most influential books in the U.S.
Died in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Ida Tarbell died on January 6, 1944 in Bridgeport, Connecticut after a long, influential career in journalism and public life.
💡 What this means for you
At age 86, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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