James V. Tigani, Jr.

On Sunday, November 20, 2022, James V. Tigani, II, passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Jimmy, as he was more fondly known, was born on July 10, 1937, and raised in Wilmington, Delaware by beloved parents James V. Tigani and Betty Singley Tigani. After graduating from the Salesianum School in 1954, he attended LaSalle University, and then earned a law degree from Georgetown Law School in 1961.

Jimmy passed the Illinois state bar and moved to Chicago to begin his law career working for Leo Barnett Co., Advertising Agency. His time in Chicago was short-lived when his father, Jim Sr., called needing his help with their growing family business, N.K.S. Distributors, Inc. Jimmy agreed to move back east settling in Philadelphia’s Society Hill.

From day one, Jimmy was a natural. He excelled in the family’s wine and spirits division. Jimmy’s talents were securing new brands and product lines for the company to distribute. He grew the business, set high standards in every aspect of his work, and earned the respect of the entire industry. Over his forty-five-year career, he would eventually lead N.K.S., until 1999, along with his brother Bob. Until 2009, Jimmy was also President of Century Wines & Spirits and Delaware Beverage Company, owning and managing the businesses with trusted partners and loyal friends Leo Renzette and Bob Trostel.

Jimmy was dedicated to his family. In the late eighties, he moved to Wilmington to live with his then-ailing mother, Betty. Jimmy adored his mother, and he was a devoted son. Despite not having children of his own, Jimmy embraced his role as uncle to nephews Bobby Jr. and Chris. Uncle Jimmy instinctively believed Bobby and Chris would really benefit from exposure to culture including the performing arts, the symphony, Broadway, museums, and travel. He made sure they got exposure and so much more, organizing years of trips and outings for his mother and nephews to special places like New York, Switzerland, Italy, England, and many others.

The very definition of true and loyal friend was Jimmy Tigani. His out-going personality helped him make friends easily. Handsome, smart, and always well-dressed people were drawn to Jimmy. But it was his substance and character that kept them friends for life. His genuine interest in others, his warmth and sincerity, his ability to assign seats at a restaurant, to know when tell

the right joke, his vast knowledge of things big and small, and his incredible generosity were qualities his true friends enjoyed. Lifelong dear

friends like Betsy, Bryce, and John just to name a few. And once he loved you, you became someone else entirely like Trixie, Polky, Turkey Man and Le Weasel.

In 1995, Jimmy met Mark Bennett. They hit it off and almost instantly, they were a team. From Wilmington to Nantucket to Florida’s East Coast and many places in between, they supported each other through it all. Eventually, they settled in Palm Beach where Jimmy lived his “best life.” Jimmy became a member of The Beach Club and The Gentlemen of the Garden, while maintaining his membership at the Greenville Country Club in Delaware.

Jimmy’s hobbies include voracious reading, working out, and taking care of his beloved dogs. From Troy, his basset hound and faithful companion at Georgetown, who became famous drawing the frequent attention of his neighbor then-Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy. To many years with Italian Greyhounds, the latest being Ty and Gio, who lived with him in Palm Beach. Jimmy’s dogs gave him great joy and in return, they could never ask for a more loving and doting owner.

Jimmy lived his life by the guiding principle that: “Living well is the only revenge.” Living well for Jimmy not only meant having quality things but having quality people to share them with. At home, Jimmy lived well thanks to the dedication and care of David Young, Adrian Ruiz, Viviana Velazquez, and Zeta. Not to mention round melon balls, David’s cheese puffs, and a vodka martini.

Jimmy will be sorely missed by many. With his passing, the world lost a gem of a man and a very special soul. His spirit, however, will live on in the fortunate few who knew him as he always reminded them, “Don’t ever forget, I made you a star!” How right he was. If you were lucky enough to spend time with him, Jimmy made everyone better than they were the day before. From passing on a great new book, to a menu item at their favorite restaurant, or to give them the sunglasses he was wearing that day—Jimmy imparted to all something of himself. Yes, Jimmy, you made us all stars. We are still shining just a little less bright today.

A devout catholic, Jimmy was preceded in death by his father Jim Sr. (2004), and his mother, Betty (1990). Jimmy is survived by his long-term partner of 26 years, Mark Bennett; brother Robert F. Tigani, Sr., and wife Linda; nephew Robert F. Tigani Jr., and wife Amy; nephew Christopher Tigani and wife Patricia; two great nephews Christopher Jr. and John Louis Tigani, a beautiful great niece Georgiana Frances Tigani, and so many of his “stars.”

All friends and family are welcome at a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church located at 144 North County Road in Palm Beach, Florida. Reception to follow at The Beach Club. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue in West Palm Beach or Found Care, Inc. of Palm Beach County.