Remembering Jean-Jacques Parmegiani

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Jean-Jacques P. Parmegiani passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Vicksburg, MS. He was 82 years old.

Jean-Jacques was born in 1944 in Luchon, in the French Pyrenees near the Spanish border. As a young man, he apprenticed as an ouvrier boucher — a journeyman butcher — learning the trade from the ground up. He was drafted into military service and served as a paratrooper in the French Foreign Legion. After leaving the army, he went to work at The Hôtel Sacaron in the town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, France. He and his brother then made their way to Hamilton, Bermuda, where, from 1966 to 1968, he worked as a butcher at the Princess Hotel. There, he began spending time in the kitchen with the hotel’s French executive chef and cooking took hold of him.

He next moved to Nassau, in the Bahamas, and spent two years as chief butcher while taking managerial courses at the Paradise Island hotels and continuing to cook alongside the executive chef. In 1970, at his boss’s suggestion, he went to Montego Bay, Jamaica, to become executive chef of the Holiday Inn. He shifted his focus fully into the kitchen while still studying hotel management.

He left Jamaica in 1973 and opened the French restaurant Le Bourguignon in Jackson, Mississippi, later spending time revitalizing LeFleur’s. Beginning in 1975, he was increasingly called upon to step into problem properties — hotels and food-service operations that needed steady hands, sharper controls, and renewed direction. From 1975 to 1977, he returned to work for his friend, Andy Fitzroy, at Fitzroy International as food and beverage director, traveling among properties in New Jersey, St. Louis, and Delaware. The company specialized in taking on hotels in financial trouble, and Jacques was brought in repeatedly to help stabilize operations, improve food and beverage programs, and bring struggling properties back from the brink.

In 1978, he returned to Jamaica, first taking the food and beverage director post at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Ocho Rios, then becoming food and beverage director of the Mallards Beach Hyatt. He was later promoted to general manager — the realization of a long-held dream of reaching the top of the hotel industry. In what little free time the work left him, he took up windsurfing and snorkeling. He also loved history, a thread that would later help root him in Vicksburg.

In 1979, he moved to the Cayman Islands to open a restaurant on Seven Mile Beach. Hurricane David ended those plans, and he left on one of the last flights out for the United States. Work was hard to find; he was told, more than once, that he was overqualified. A fortunate call brought an opportunity in San Antonio, and in 1980 he became the opening general manager of the Holiday Inn there. He then returned to Jackson to help open The Sundancer in Highland Village. 

In late 1981, he learned of Tuminello’s and was drawn as much by the city’s history as by the kitchen. In 1982, he took over Tuminello’s. In 1987, he opened Jacques’ Café in the Park. The restaurant became a Vicksburg fixture and remained open until 2012.

Jean-Jacques was deeply loved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest joy, and the love he had for them only grew deeper throughout his life.

Although he loved his children dearly, something changed in Jean-Jacques when his first grandchild was born. His heart seemed to soften completely. He embraced his new role as a grandfather with a tenderness and devotion that became an important part of who he was.

He began a tradition with his first grandchild: Tuesday nights at Walmart and Pizza Hut. As each new grandchild came along, they became part of that tradition too. Those simple Tuesday nights became treasured memories. What may have seemed like ordinary outings at the time became moments his grandchildren will carry with them forever.

His grandchildren also have fond memories of time spent in his home, especially cooking crepes together. Those moments around the kitchen, sharing food and time as a family, are memories they will hold close to their hearts.

Jean-Jacques was also loved by everyone who met him. He was a great friend and mentor to many, generously sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and experience. His infectious smile could brighten any room, and his warmth made people feel welcome and valued.

Jean-Jacques leaves behind a family who was deeply loved by him and who loved him just as deeply in return. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remember him not only for all he did for them, but also for the special place he made for each of them in his heart. His friends and colleagues will remember his guidance, his generosity, his friendship, and the joy he brought into their lives.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the traditions he created, the restaurants and communities he helped shape, the people he mentored, the friendships he formed, the stories they will continue to tell, and the countless memories that will be cherished by generations to come.

Along with his parents, Francois Parmegiani and Carmen Polatsi Parmegiani, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lillian Vives and brother, Robert Parmegiani. He is survived by son, Jay Parmegiani (Kara) and Ian Parmegiani; daughter, Carmen Wigley (Russell); brothers, Simon Parmegiani, Charles Parmegiani (Margaret), Pierrot Parmegiani, Patrick Parmegiani, and Franc Parmegiani; sisters, Jeanette Parmegiani and Michelle Petrolini; grandchildren, Blake Parmegiani (Amanda), Ethan Parmegiani (Meghan), Eli Parmegiani (Carly), Drew Parmegiani, Reid Parmegiani, Cade Riddle, and Renni Wigley; great-grandchildren, Mylo Parmegiani, Luca Parmegiani, Delilah Saldana, and Lorelei Parmegiani; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg, Miss.