Everyone in Dickens County knew the beekeeper— but few knew him well enough to look in on him when he took ill recently. He’d even posted a reassuring message on Facebook Oct. 6 after apparently suffering a stroke. “I am OK, but it will take weeks (or months) to get any real stamina back,” he wrote.
We all believed that first part.
Jon Shipp’s closest neighbors, at least, knew his daily habits well enough to call for a welfare check when parcels uncustomarily piled up on his porch. But by last Tuesday, October 12, it was too late. The 71-yearold Spur resident, a native and citizen of Britain, was found dead in his home by the sheriff’s department. The justice of the peace estimated the date of his passing at October 10.
Shipp was a fixture at local markets with his honey and other products from Spur Apiary, which he founded in 2017. He was also an invaluable resource when someone discovered a hive in a roof, tree or barn. Last year he paved the way for the new Spur fire station when an aggressive colony turned up in a garage next to the site.
The week of his final illness, Shipp posted details on Facebook regarding a removal he had undertaken. “On Monday I was removing a colony of extremely aggressive bees when I suffered what I believe was a stroke. After a time I was able to collect my equipment and return home where I have been on bed rest apart from a couple of very slow walks out to the mailbox.
“Unless I am near the phone I can’t answer it, so apologies to anyone (plus my landline is local only so I may not be able to answer messages). I have been told my stutter is much more pronounced than before, so I am not too clear when talking and am not answering my door. I am OK, but it will take weeks (or months) to get any real stamina back and accordingly I have had to stop doing all bee removal work. I will continue to have honey available once I am more mobile as I hope to keep my own colonies unless that is too much for me to do.
“Thanks to those who already know and have made offers of assistance or encouragement. It is greatly appreciated and I hope to still hang about for a few more years.”
He even turned down one messager’s inquiry. “Thanks for the offer,” he posted. “I am improving so should be OK, but the offer is greatly appreciated.”
Word began to circulate over the weekend about Shipp’s passing. Scores of friends added messages of remembrance to his message thread.
According to acting Dickens County justice of the peace Stella Carter, the exact cause of Shipp’s death will not be known until a coroner’s inquest is complete. Shipp’s relatives in the U.K. have not yet been located, Carter said.
One day a couple of years ago, Shipp stopped in at The Texas Spur office to show off a special collection of horse brasses. These stamped or cast metal medallions were popular in England for advertising, commemoration, and souvenir purposes. One in particular was a favorite. It commemorated the 1977 Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Shipp was born in the year of her accession to the throne, he said.
That was 1952. Whatever events may have passed in the life of our dear friend since that time, whatever brought him to spend his final years in this small Texas outpost, we are glad Jon Shipp’s path crossed ours. Cantankerous at times, opinionated— especially in matters of personal liberty— but always generous with products or know-how, he enriched our community. He brought us sweetness in the form of liquid gold.
We wish him peace and rest from his life’s labors.
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