James Paradies, Founder and Philanthropist, Remembered for His Contributions to the Airport Concessions Industry

The Paradies Lagardère family is deeply saddened to announce that James Paradies, 87, of Atlanta, Ga., affectionately known throughout the organization as “Mr. Jimmy,” passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017. Mr. Jimmy, in partnership with his brother Dan Paradies, co-founded The Paradies Shops, now Paradies Lagardère, and were trailblazers in what’s now known as the modern travel retail industry. Dan Paradies passed away in 2014.

An invitation from Atlanta Mayor Bill Hartsfield spurred the opening of a single toy and gift shop at the then-named Atlanta Municipal Airport. In 1960, Dan and Mr. Jimmy founded the new company, The Paradies Shops. Today, Paradies Lagardère operates 850 stores and restaurants in 95 airports in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, with more than 5,800 associates. The company has been a pioneer in travel retail and dining through its superior design, and award-winning store and restaurant operations and management, as well as its exceptional “First-Class Customer Service” and recognition for associates that exemplify the company’s core values.

Mr. Jimmy was a constant presence at Paradies Lagardère’s headquarters in Atlanta. He was very personable and could often be found talking with members of the team about their families, in many cases asking about family members by name. Mr. Jimmy was quite active in the Atlanta community, known for his service and philanthropic commitments to several great causes. He also worked to help associates in need outside of the workplace. Mr. Jimmy established The Jim & Dan Paradies Emergency Assistance Fund, available to Paradies Lagardère associates who require additional assistance due to natural disasters and other emergencies. Mr. Jimmy and his contributions to what makes Paradies Lagardère special also helped the company receive the Gallup’s Great Workplace Award four times.

Mr. Jimmy’s legacy and tremendous impact on the travel retail industry, as well as on those that knew him will long be felt, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Services will take place Tuesday, December 26, 2017, 1:00 p.m., at Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327. Notes and cards can be sent to the company: Paradies Lagardère 2849 Paces Ferry Road, Overlook I 4th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30339.