USA. We regret to announce the death at the age of 87 of James Paradies, Co-Founder of The Paradies Shops, now Paradies Lagardère. The company’s other Founder, his brother 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 James, who was known as ‘Mr. Jimmy,’ founded The Paradies Shops. Today, Paradies Lagardère operates 850 stores and restaurants in 95 airports in the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, with more than 5,800 associates.
The company noted that ‘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.”
He established The Jim & Dan Paradies Emergency Assistance Fund, available to Paradies Lagardère associates who require additional assistance due to natural disasters and other emergencies. He also helped the company receive the Gallup’s Great Workplace Award four times.
The company added: “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 on 26 December at Ahavath Achim Synagogue 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327. Notes and cards can be sent to Paradies Lagardère, 2849 Paces Ferry Road, Overlook 4th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30339.
