What does this phrase from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" mean?


In the following passage from chapter 8 of the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer:



"He sat long with his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, meditating. It seemed to him that life was but a trouble, at best, and he more than half envied Jimmy Hodges, so lately released; it must be very peaceful, he thought, to lie and slumber and dream forever and ever, with the wind whispering through the trees and caressing the grass and the flowers over the grave, and nothing to bother and grieve about, ever any more."



It is mentioned that Jimmy Hodges has been "lately released." Does this mean that Jim Hodges has recently deceased? Please explain how "released" means "deceased."




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