Former John Lewis boss and city centre founder father dies

The man who helped steer thecentre:mk to success has died atthe age of 83.

Jim Matthews ran John Lewis for 13 years and was also chairman of the shopping centre association.

His three sons followed in his footsteps, with all of them running successful businesses in the centre.

Mr Matthews, pictured showing Margaret and Denis thatcher around thecentre:mk, started his career at Harrods, then moved to John Lewis in London.

He came to Milton Keynes to open the new John Lewis and involved himself in much of the pioneering work of the new city.

He was chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Theatre Development Board as well as the City Orchestra Board,

But his greatest interest was the Parks Trust, of which he was one of the founder trustees.

He was also chairman of his local parish council.

Mr Matthews lived at the Extra Care Village in Shenley Wood with his wife Jean, and became involved in many of the activities there. He leaves three sons, a daughter and four grandchildren.