James Bernhard

James Michell Bernhard, Jr.​​ (Louisiana business figure who owned The Shaw Group and Bernhard Capital Partners.)​
Born	April 8, 1954​​ Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Died	November 16, 2025 (aged 71) Baton Rouge ​​
Spouse	Dana Lynn Reneau Bernhard (married 1993-2005, his death) Children: Kathryn Bernard Gerry Benjamin Bernhard Michael Bernhard Patrick Bernhard James "Tres" Bernhard, III Parents: ​ James, Sr., and Barbara Ann Savage Bernhard​ ​​

​James Michell "Jim" Bernhard, Jr.' (April 9, 1954 – November 16, 2005), was an influential Louisiana businessman who following his graduation from Louisiana State University in his native  Baton Rouge founded The Shaw Group, an industrial and infrastructure company.

Career

In 2013, after he had sold The Shaw Group, he co-founded Bernhard Capital Partners, a private equity firm recognized globally for its investments in infrastructure. The company embodies his vision for a disciplined investment strategy. Bernard paid particular attention to his employees and stressed job safety. He was a mentor to many successful business leaders. When most saw obstacles, he relished in opportunities that he pursued. He was often approached about relocating his company outside of Louisiana, but he remained loyal to his native state.

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. 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.

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, Bernhard also had eight grandchildren. His services were held at St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Interment was private.