Why is the beekeeper suddenly important? What effect does Jim’s generosity have on Randy?

Bees produced honey with nutritious value and beeswax to make candles.

Now, honey was liquid gold, and beeswax, with which candles could be dipped, another valuable item of barter.

Jim's gift of the honey for Mark's children overwhelmed Randy.

He was overwhelmed. He knew that Mark and Hickey had been in the same grade in primary school, but they had never been close friends. Hickey was no more than an acquaintance. He lived in a neat, sea-green, five-room concrete block house far out on the road to Pasco Creek. Randy, before The Day, rarely saw him, and then only to wave a greeting. Randy said, "Jim, this is the nicest, most generous thing I can remember. I just hope I can repay you some way, some day."