TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated businessman who died aged 98.

James Townrow, born in April 1918, was the third generation of the Townrow family.

The family opened a department store in Braintree High Street in 1871, and Mr Townrow helped manage the business for many years.

He died on Tuesday, March 28, in his sleep.

He grew up in Braintree and went to Felsted School, before joining the family business in 1935.

After five years he was called up and posted to the second battalion Essex Regiment.

He landed on the beaches of Arromanches on D-Day and later received an MBE.

He was described by the army as having tireless energy and initiative.

He had a son, Richard, and a daughter, Diana, with his wife Barbara, who he married in 1946.

This was the year he returned to the business.

Richard, 67, said: "When he returned life was difficult, particularly obtaining stock.

"My father would have to travel calling on suppliers.

"He ran the business for a number of years and expanded to join my uncle Peter's business, selling women's wear.

"He was a gentleman, even at 98 he would offer up his seat on a train."

He said his father was always interested in the business and was very supportive.

Richard said: "He grew up and lived in Braintree- he thought, like all of us, it was a wonderful town.

"After the war he loved being at home in Marshalls Road."

Mr Townrow had seven great-grandchildren and five grandchildren, including Edward who continues to work in the store.

Richard said: "We worked well together, he was a wonderful father.

"He was supportive and let me take over the reins from a young age."

The family announced the closure of the Braintree store last month.

Richard said: "He supported the store's closure, he understood the reason and was very supportive of it."

A thanksgiving service is being held at St Michael's Church in Braintree, at noon on April 18.