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Bernhard supported numerous civic, educational, and charitable initiatives. His generosity extended to St. George Catholic Church and School, the Dunham School, and his foundation, Every Kid a King. Many of his donations were made in private. One of his investments was The Shaw Center for the Arts—a cornerstone project that catalyzed growth and progress in downtown Baton Rouge. He also supported many groups nationwide, including No Kid Hungry in [[Virginia]] and other states, Chief Cares fund to support relief efforts in parts of western North Carolina ravaged in 2024 by Hurricane Helene, Operation Helping Hands in [[Los Angeles]], and Mentors & Meals in [[Lexington, Kentucky]], and the [[Caribbean]] islands. He was vested in thoroughbred horse racing and traveled with his wife, the former Dana Lynn Reneau, daughter of Daniel Dugan Reneau, Jr., the president from 1987 to 2023 of [[Louisiana Tech University]] in [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]]. The Bernhards owned the historic Pin Oak Stud in Kentucky, where he preserved the land and cared for the animals.  They owned and raced several standout champion horses, including Geaux Rocket Ride, which fin 2023 finished second in the Pacific Classic.<ref name=obit/>

Bernhard supported numerous civic, educational, and charitable initiatives. His generosity extended to St. George Catholic Church and School, the Dunham School, and his foundation, Every Kid a King. Many of his donations were made in private. One of his investments was The Shaw Center for the Arts—a cornerstone project that catalyzed growth and progress in downtown Baton Rouge. He also supported many groups nationwide, including No Kid Hungry in [[Virginia]] and other states, Chief Cares fund to support relief efforts in parts of western North Carolina ravaged in 2024 by Hurricane Helene, Operation Helping Hands in [[Los Angeles]], and Mentors & Meals in [[Lexington, Kentucky]], and the [[Caribbean]] islands. He was vested in thoroughbred horse racing and traveled with his wife, the former Dana Lynn Reneau, daughter of Daniel Dugan Reneau, Jr., the president from 1987 to 2023 of [[Louisiana Tech University]] in [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]]. The Bernhards owned the historic Pin Oak Stud in Kentucky, where he preserved the land and cared for the animals.  They owned and raced several standout champion horses, including Geaux Rocket Ride, which fin 2023 finished second in the Pacific Classic.<ref name=obit/>

He was preceded in death by his father, James Bernhard, Sr. In addition to his wife, he was survived by his mother, Barbara Ann Savage Bernhard; his children, Kathryn Gerry (husband John), Benjamin Bernhard (wife Jenna), Michael Bernhard (wife Rachel), Patrick Bernhard (wife Amelie), and Tres Bernhard,<ref>Amber Steagall, "Baton Rouge lawyer sentenced to 27 months in prison," WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, May 23, 2013</ref><ref>Tres Berhard was convicted in 2013 for wire fraud in connection with the theft of more than $453,000 from the trust account of his former law firm's trust account. He surrendered his law license in the case.</ref>

Bernhard was preceded in death by his father, James Bernhard, Sr. In addition to his wife, he was survived by his mother, Barbara Ann Savage Bernhard; his children, Kathryn Gerry (husband John), Benjamin Bernhard (wife Jenna), Michael Bernhard (wife Rachel), Patrick Bernhard (wife Amelie), and Tres Bernhard,<ref>Amber Steagall, "Baton Rouge lawyer sentenced to 27 months in prison," WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, May 23, 2013</ref><ref>Tres Berhard was convicted in 2013 for wire fraud in connection with the theft of more than $453,000 from the trust account of his former law firm. He surrendered his law license in the case.</ref>

Bernhard also had eight grandchildren. His services were held at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Interment was private.<ref name=obit/>

Bernhard also had eight grandchildren. His services were held at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Interment was private.<ref name=obit/>