The Founder & Visionary of Down Island
In Memoriam
Chef Brannon Janca
January 26, 1978 - March 22, 2023
Chef Brannon Kent Janca, adored Mississippi Gulf Coast native, known for his culinary creations at the Lake Place Restaurant, Stinky’s Fish Camp, and most recently his own restaurant, Down Island, passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. He was 45 years old.
Brannon was preceded in death by his Father, Louis Kent Janca, his brother, William Shannon Moncrief, Grandparents, Frank and Marylyn Joachim Janca, Norris and Roy (Memaw) Jones, Clifton C. Flurry, Sr.; Uncles Terry Janca, Tony Janca, and special cousins Matt Janca and Chandra Flurry Nicholson.
Brannon was born on January 26, 1978 in Pascagoula, MS to Trudi Flurry Dixon and Louis Kent Janca. Brannon was of the Methodist Faith. His life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was spent enjoying countless days and nights on the islands, watching the New Orleans Saints with his Memaw, going to the Superdome with his Dad and friends, cooking, camping, and making music. Brannon always smiled and made others smile. He loved food, family, friends, music by Widespread Panic, The Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffet. He was also an avid New Orleans Saints fan and loved and cherished his dogs and cats.
After graduating from Pascagoula High School in May, 1996, Brannon attended Mississippi State University and the University of New Orleans prior to graduating from the Culinary Institute of New Orleans. Chef Janca began his career in “World Famous” restaurants including Gautreau’s and Commanders Palace.
In the early 2000’s, Chef Janca moved to Florida’s Emerald Gulf Coast and joined Chef Jim Richard at The Lake Place. After nearly 20 years and multiple restaurants with Chef Jim, including Stinky’s Fish Camp and Trenasse, Chef Janca devoted his time, energy, and creativity to pursuing his dream of having his own restaurant. After years of hard work, the strange times of Covid 19 and a lot of support from friends and family, Down Island opened in January, 2022. Chef Brannon’s “Dream” finally came true.
Brannon’s love and passion for creativity was apparent from a young age. Inspired by his Father’s love of music, and, in turn, his own, he spent his high school years playing music with his band “Plugg”. His hobbies seemed endless. Brannon was a seasoned and talented Potter who made the pottery for Down Island which included all of the dinnerware for the restaurant. He enjoyed woodworking and growing vegetables in his hydroponic garden. His energy and passion went into everything he did.
When Brannon was diagnosed with cancer in October 2019, he didn’t skip a beat. He continued to work, play, cook, love and live life to the fullest. His humor and cheer never faded, and he continued to be a shining light to everyone he knew and met.
He is survived by his Wife, Stefani Pall Janca, Mother, Trudi Flurry Dixon, Mother-in-Law, Kim Pall, Father-in-Law, Chris Pall, Sister-in-Law, Lindsay Hedglin and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Celebration of Life for Chef Brannon Janca – April 22, 2023
Eastlawn United Methodist Church – Pascagoula, Mississippi
