2020 Second Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3
BY SENATORS FIELDS, ABRAHAM, ALLAIN, BARROW, BERNARD,
BOUDREAUX, BOUIE, CATHEY, CLOUD, CONNICK, CORTEZ,
FESI, FOIL, HARRIS, HENRY, HENSGENS, HEWITT, JACKSON,
JOHNS, LAMBERT, MCMATH, MILLIGAN, ROBERT MILLS,
PEACOCK, POPE, PRICE, REESE, SMITH, TALBOT, TARVER,
WARD, WHITE AND WOMACK
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of James Michell "Jimmy" Bernhard.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana Senate have learned of the passing of James Michell "Jimmy" Bernhard, age
ninety-four, on September 25, 2020, at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, James Bernhard was born on December 4, 1925, in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, to William and Christabell Bernhard; and
WHEREAS, he graduated from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge and was
honored by the school as a Grizzly Great; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy attended Louisiana State University, where he excelled in sports,
playing both basketball and football in 1943, 1944, and 1945, was captain of the football
team, and while in college, also played semi-pro baseball in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, he married the love of his life, Barbara Savage Bernhard, on April 11,
1953, in Opelousas, Louisiana, and this union was blessed with four children; and
WHEREAS, the Bernhards resided in Baton Rouge until moving to Lafayette a few
years later to establish their family home and mechanical contracting business; and
WHEREAS, for over fifty years, Jimmy was a leader of Bernhard Mechanical
Contractors, one of the largest and oldest companies in the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, he was an active and dedicated member of Holy Cross Catholic Church
and an integral part of the Knights of Columbus, holding various statewide offices as well
as being a Grand Knight; and
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WHEREAS, Jimmy chaired many charitable events in Lafayette, the most unique
being a fundraiser for Cathedral Carmel High School which hosted the famous Harlem
Globetrotters as entertainment; and
WHEREAS, he was generous with his time and talents, and his leadership brought
little league baseball to Lafayette; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, William F. Bernhard; his
mother, Christabell Clarke Bernhard; his brother, William F. Bernhard Jr.; and his sisters,
Bertha Bernhard Breen, Alice Bernhard McCrain, and Thyra Bernhard Richardson; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their children, Jim Bernhard
Jr. and wife Dana Reneau Bernhard, Janice Bernhard Slaughter, Kenneth "Kenny" Bernhard
and wife Elaine Wimberly Bernhard; and Peggy Elaine Bernhard; his brother, Charles R.
Bernhard; twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins, and beloved friends; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Jimmy Bernhard, Louisiana has lost one of its finest
citizens who was admired by all whose lives he touched and he will be greatly missed; and
WHEREAS, his passing has left a tremendous void in the Lafayette community, but
his love, smile, and personality shall remain eternally in the hearts and minds of his loved
ones, friends, and all who had the opportunity to meet and know him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of James Michell
"Jimmy" Bernhard; does hereby record and acknowledge his singular contributions and
achievements, and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the pride and honor that this
wonderful gentleman brought to his family, friends, community, and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his
wife, Barbara Bernhard.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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