Obituary of James Richard Bernard

James Bernard passed away unexpectedly at his Hilton Head home on the evening of February 23, 2023.

Jim was born on October 11, 1944, to Ldean and Holly Bernard.  He spent his formative years in Saline, Michigan.  Following high school, he enrolled at the University of Michigan.  He became a lifelong “Wolverine”.  He graduated in 1966 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Immediately after his graduation, he began work for the DuPont Company in the labs at their Richmond, Virginia facility.  While there he obtained a degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond.

In 1971, he was transferred to DuPont’s corporate headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.  It was here in the Marketing Research Group of the Film Department that he met Pam Bedwell.  They were married in 1972.  Pam and Jim moved several times around the Wilmington area before finding their “forever” home in Hockessin, Delaware.  Jim immediately planted a huge vegetable garden, which produced prodigious amounts of fresh vegetables.

When he wasn’t working, Jim enjoyed golf, chess, classical music, finding and drinking vintage wine, number puzzles, poker, and other games (which he almost always won!!), and summer vacations at the Jersey Shore.

He loved animals, particularly Tip, Toby, Scotty, and Molly.

He enjoyed attending concerts at the Philadelphia Academy of Music and plays at the Playhouse Theatre.

He and Pam spent time visiting the National Parks, California wineries, various Caribbean islands, and Hawaii.

Over the years, Jim was given many positions at DuPont, ending with several years in Corporate Plans.  As they had always planned, Jim and Pam retired from DuPont on the same day in November 2003.  They moved to Hilton Head the next day to begin enjoying a retirement of golf and the beach.

Jim played golf at Dolphin Head Golf Club and Palmetto Dunes Resort.  He also participated in senior golf, which gave him the opportunity to play on many of the area courses.

Jim’s love of classical music led to his involvement with the International Piano Competition.  He and Pam hosted Competition Judges for several events.  They also enjoyed attending concerts by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.

Jim is survived by his wife Pam; his sister Yvonne Wilson; his sister Renee Bayer and her husband Steve; his brother-in-law Christopher Bedwell and his wife Kathy; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Monday, March 27 from 10:00 - 11:00AM.  A Remembrance Service will begin at 11:00AM, immediately followed by interment in All Saints Cemetery.