Hornsey Journal, 5 January 1928
The death occurred at his residence “Bishopsfield” Broadlands-road, Highgate on Tuesday of Mr John James Sainsbury, the founder of the well-known firm of provision merchants. He was 83 years of age.
Fifty nine years ago Mr Sainsbury a man of 24 and his 19 year old wife opened a little shop in Drury-lane selling butter and eggs. In those early days Mr and Mrs Sainsbury used to serve behind their own counter. Mrs Sainsbury took a full part in the making of the business which developed into one of the biggest chains of provision stores in the country. Without a staff beyond themselves, the young grocer and his wife were encouraged a year or two later to have another shop, and their first employee took charge of it in Kentish Town.
The business from the beginning was always a family affair and Mr Sainsbury who was permanent governing director, held with members of the Sainsbury family, the whole of the shares. His six sons and six grandsons are now in the business.
The company which is a private one was registered in 1922 with a capital of £1,300 000 in £1 shares, one million being preference and the remainder in ordinary shares. Mrs Sainsbury died last summer.
A memorial service will be held at St John’s Church Putney on Monday and internment will be at Putney Cemetery.