Pin Oak’s Jim Bernhard Passes Away

[Wandering Eyes]

Jim Bernhard, who along with his wife Dana, purchased the historic Pin Oak Stud in 2022, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, according to a statement on the website of his Bernhard Capital. He was 71.

The Bernhards made their entry into Thoroughbred race with the purchase of Geaux Rocket Ride, whom Jim acquired as a birthday present for his wife at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton July sale. The colt would go on to win the GI Haskell Stakes and ran second in the GI Pacific Classic in 2023. The Bernhards also campaigned GI Saratoga Derby winner World Beater and GIII winners Parchment Party and Incredibolt.

Bernhard's entrepreneurial enterprises began when he founded The Shaw Group in 1987, transforming it from a small fabrication and construction company into an international Fortune 500 company with more than 30,000 employees and $7 billion in annual revenue. Under his leadership, The Shaw Group became one of the most important industrial and infrastructure companies in the world. He led major acquisitions that transformed the industry, including IT Group, Stone & Webster, and Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

Bernhard sold The Shaw Group in 2013 and the following year founded Bernhard Capital Partners with his longtime colleague, friend, and business partner Jeff Jenkins. BCP currently manages approximately $5.6 billion in assets, has invested in 23 active and realized companies, and has completed more than 80 transactions.

Bernhard was a staunch supporter of LSU and a driving force behind opportunities for underprivileged children through his foundation, Every Kid a King. His contributions helped create well-known community assets at St. George Catholic School and Church in Baton Rouge, where he was a longtime parishioner. He was also a major supporter of The Dunham School, as well as countless local and national charities.

Bernhard was a leader in Louisiana's political, as well as business, landscape. The state's governor, Jeff Landry, took to X Monday to honor the late entrepreneur.

“Jim Bernhard was one of Louisiana's most dynamic and visionary business leaders,” Landry posted. “His hard work built companies that created jobs, strengthened our economy, and showcased the very best of Louisiana. Louisiana has lost a giant, but I know his legacy will endure for generations. Sharon and I extend our deepest prayers to Dana and the entire Bernhard family during this difficult time.”

Congressman Troy Carter, via X, posted Monday, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Bernhard, a giant of Louisiana industry and a powerful force for progress in our state. Jim was more than a business leader. He was a visionary who built opportunity where others saw obstacles. From the Shaw Group to Bernhard Capital Partners, his work transformed lives, created thousands of jobs, and reshaped the economic landscape of Louisiana. His impact will be felt for generations. Jim was also a committed civic leader, a proud Democrat, and a man who invested in the people and communities of south Louisiana. His leadership extended far beyond boardrooms. He believed in service, in lifting others, and in giving back to the state he loved.”

Bernhard is survived by wife Dana; his children, Patrick, Michael, Benjamin, Kathryn, and Tres; and his grandchildren.

Information on services and a celebration of Jim's life will be released at a later date.

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