[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 197 (Friday, November 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JAMES M. ``JIM'' BERNHARD

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. CLEO FIELDS

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2025

  Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, the state of Louisiana recently lost a 
visionary leader and titan of industry whose impact was profound, far-
reaching, and enduring. James M. ``Jim'' Bernhard dedicated his life to 
advancing opportunity, strengthening communities, and demonstrating 
what determined, principled leadership can achieve. Though his 
accomplishments in business and public service were vast, his most 
meaningful legacy is found in the countless lives he improved and the 
deep affection he held for the people of Louisiana.
  Jim Bernhard was born on April 9, 1954, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 
From an early age he showed the traits that would define his lifelong 
service to his home state: energy, intellect, and a steadfast 
commitment to community. A proud graduate of Louisiana State 
University, Jim combined his entrepreneurial drive with a disciplined 
work ethic to build one of the most successful industrial enterprises 
in the Nation.
  He founded The Shaw Group and guided it from a small pipe-fabrication 
business in Baton Rouge into a Fortune 500 global industrial services 
firm. Under his leadership, the company grew to employ thousands and to 
serve major sectors including energy, engineering, and construction. 
Jim's deft vision transformed The Shaw Group into a major economic 
engine for Louisiana, creating jobs, attracting investment, and 
elevating the state's prominence in national and international markets.
  After the sale of The Shaw Group, Jim continued to innovate and lead. 
He co-founded Bernhard Capital Partners, an internationally recognized 
private-equity firm managing billions of dollars in assets with 
investments in energy services, industrial operations, and utility 
infrastructure. Through this transformative work, he continued to 
strengthen critical industries, support innovation, and expand economic 
opportunities across Louisiana and beyond.
  Jim's extraordinary professional achievements were matched only by 
his deep commitment to civic life. He was a trusted mentor to many 
young leaders and a steadfast supporter of numerous charitable, 
cultural, and educational causes. His philanthropy played a defining 
role in the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge through his pivotal 
support of the Shaw Center for the Arts, a landmark institution that 
continues to enrich the region's cultural landscape.
  He was a champion for education at every level, frequently advocating 
for stronger investment in both K-12 schools and higher education. 
Jim's generosity made significant financial support possible for 
schools and students throughout the Baton Rouge area, and his advocacy 
helped strengthen public understanding of the critical link between 
education, workforce development, and long-term state prosperity.
  Jim's compassion reached far beyond Louisiana's borders. He provided 
vital assistance to communities recovering from hurricanes in North 
Carolina, supported a nonprofit organization in California dedicated to 
assisting people experiencing homelessness, and contributed to relief 
efforts throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and other regions 
across the globe. His philanthropy was often quiet and unpublicized, 
guided by a belief that those blessed with success have a duty to help 
those in need.
  At the center of Jim's life was his family. He was a devoted husband 
to his beloved wife, Dana, and a proud father to his five children: 
Benjamin Bernhard, Michael Bernhard, Patrick Bernhard, Kathryn Gerry, 
and Tres Bernhard. He was equally proud to be the grandfather of eight 
grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and inspiration.
  Jim Bernhard's unwavering love for Louisiana, his commitment to 
public service, and his conviction that the state's potential is 
limitless will continue to shape the region for generations to come. 
His legacy is one of leadership, generosity, innovation, and hope--a 
legacy that will forever enrich the state he cherished and the people 
for whom he worked tirelessly.
  Louisiana deeply mourns the loss of Jim Bernhard, honors his 
remarkable life, and celebrates the enduring impact he leaves behind.

                          ____________________