OBIT: James HIPP, 1940, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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JAMES HIPP

All Meyersdale Mourns Passing of James Hipp
Stricken Down Suddenly By Embolism While at Work at Getty's Service Station

  The truth of the old adage "Death is no respector of persons" was brought home 
with grim suddeness last Thursday evening with the demise of James R. Hipp while 
at work at Getty's Service Station.  Thousands of friends are mourning his 
passing and are at a loss for an explanation as to why a young man as useful, 
cheerful and kind as he was should be stricken down in the bloom of his youth.
  For several months "Jim," as he was known to his wide circle of friends and 
acquaintances, suffered minor ailments and illness, but none of them were 
serious enough to make him take to his bed.  Then, too, he always spoke 
slightingly of his physical troubles and because of his jocular manner no one 
could determine the true state of his health.  Following one recent illness Jim 
had gone to a doctor for an examination and it was revealed that all of his 
vital organs were in fine shape, and there was no cause for alarm.
  Last Thursday he went to work as usual, but throughout the day suffered from 
what he diagnosed himself as heartburn.  He casually mentioned his ailment to 
his employer who tried to make him spend the evening at home to recuperate.  
However, Jim reported for work after his evening meal, and was in his customary 
jovial mood, exchanging banter with the customers and friends who stopped by.
  About 8:20 John Layton drove in to the station for gasoline, and Jim attended 
to his needs.  He had been paid and had just handed Layton his change when he 
was stricken.  "Catch me" he said to Layton, and with that he fell into Layton's 
arms.  He was eased into a chair in the establishment and Doctor Logue was 
summoned immediately.  Within a minute or two Dr. Logue was at hand and 
administered all the medical aid possible, but to no avail.  Jim Hipp died 
without regaining consciousness or speaking another word.  Dr. Logue attributed 
death to an embolism and his diagnosis was confirmed by other town physicians.  
No medical skill in the world could have saved him, and the best diagnostician 
could not have foretold the Grim Reaper's impending visit.
  James Richard Hipp was a son of the late Charles T. Hipp and Clara Beynon Hipp 
and was born in Meyersdale Dec. 18, 1910.  He died July 11 at the age of 29 
years, 6 months and 23 days.  He was a baptized member of Zion Lutheran Church.  
He attended the public schools and was graduated from Meyersdale High School 
with the class of 1928.  His entire life was spent in this community.
  His father died when he was a child.  In addition to his mother, he is 
survived by two sisters, Mrs. Robert Spence and Miss Isabelle.  Funeral services 
were held at the family home on North Street on Monday afternoon.  In the 
absence from town of his pastor, Rev. H. K. Hilner, obsequies were in charge of 
Rev. Dr. B. A. Black.  Interment was in Union Cemetery under the direction of H. 
R. Konhaus, local mortician.  Pallbearers were intimate friends of the deceased 
and included Carl Shockey, Eugene Hostetler, Jr., W. W. Black, John Layton, Emil 
Ferencuhua, and James Hartle.
  It is doubtful if the death of any young person ever shocked or saddened the 
community as a whole as did the passing of Jim Hipp.  All the superlatives that 
betokened good could aptly have been applied to him.
  Even when in high school, where he excelled in athletics and scholastically, 
Jim realized the burden that had descended on him with the early demise of his 
father.  However, he did not consider it a burden but cheerfully went to work in 
his spare time in the E. C. Hostetler pop factory and took great pleasure in 
providing his mother and sisters with some of the comforts of life.  After 
graduating from high school he secured more lucrative employment at Getty's 
Service Station and there he remained 12 years until his untimely death.  During 
all that time Jim took the father's place in the home, and always his mother's 
and sisters' feelings and wants came before his own.  It was said of him at the 
funeral service that he gave up a career in order to care for the members of his 
family, and that statement, in the opinion of his friends, was decidedly apt, 
for no one who knew him could doubt but that he would have made a success in any 
undertaking.  He was brilliant in a quiet sort of way, cheerful, industrious and 
personable.  Jim preferred the life he lived, however, and derived great 
pleasure out of assuming the responsibilities of the head of the family.
  Meyersdale people will sadly miss Jim Hipp, and will long remember his ready 
wit, cheerful disposition and kindness.  Many persons were in the habit of 
stopping in at Getty's even if not in the need of fuel products or auto 
accessories, just to spend a short period of good cheer with Jim.  The best 
testament of the esteem in which he was held was the multitude of flowers sent 
in expression of sympathy and the hundreds of friends who called to pay last 
respects to a smiling boy whom they all loved.

Meyersdale Republican, July 18, 1940