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James Thomas Dyer Sr., an old-time resident of the Mint Canyon and Soledad Canyon areas, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 31 in Los Angeles at the age of 79.

Mr. Dyer, known to many as the beekeeper, was born Sept. 19, 1881 in Jefferson City, Missouri. When he was about eight years old, his family moved west to California where his father, Commodore Perry Dyer ran a ranch and kept bees in and around this area for many years.

He was married to Mary L. Ritter, a member of an old Leona Valley family, and who passed away several years ago.

Mr. Dyer spent most of his life in the bee and honey producing business, and his sons recall how he used to tell of moving his bees by horse and wagon and later by railroad to Ventura and even as far away as Nevada during some of the dry seasons in the pioneer days of the Dyer's honey business in Mint Canyon. With the help of his sons he founded Dyer's Honey House which has become a landmark in that area.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, under the direction of Hilburns Chapel. Rev. Leroy Baum officiated.

He Was laid to rest next to his wife and parents in the old Mitchell family cemetery.

He was a well known and respected citizen, and his passing sends another colorful pioneer into history.

Mr. Dyer is survived by three sons; J. Willis, Frank, and James, Jr.; eight grand children and three greatgrandchildren.