James Scott Bernard

James Bernard was born in Eugene, Oregon to Arch & Beatrice Bernard. He was raised in Eugene, Oregon and in the Garden Home area of Portland and raised his family of four children in the SW Portland area. James had resided with his wife of almost 75 years in Warrenton, Oregon for over 25 years.

At the age of 16 James, with his mother's permission, joined the Merchant Marines. In January 1952 he graduated from Officers School and received his 3rd Mates License. He joined the union which is the Masters Mates & pilots Union. After his service James went on to get his insurance credentials & owned an insurance agency for many years. He built an office building on 42nd & Division and then acquired a Century 21 Real Estate franchise. His children joined in on the family business and received their real estate licenses. He and his sons began purchasing properties & building homes. They expanded, acquiring a boat company, a candle factory in Scappose, and even a country western bar next to the Portland Stockyards. When Jim & Cherie moved to the Oregon Coast he managed the Astoria Ford Dealership for many years and increased sales to the point that Ford interviewed him about his successes. He wrote 8 different inspirational books and was often published throughout the years in the Astorian newspaper.

In the later 1970's, the family began owning vacation property on Maui, and Jim & Cherie quickly assimilated, even living there for a short while, and returning often. Just 2 years ago, family members got together and sent them back, with grandson Cody escorting, for their 74th anniversary.

Jim was an exceptional fisherman and had a boat at the Oregon Coast and a second home in Warrenton and often went out fishing with his wife and family. He loved fishing, got licenses so that he could do so in retirement, became a fishing guide nicknamed Slice from May to September at Yes Bay Lodge in Ketchikan Alaska for 21 years from when he was 64 up until age 85!

Jim & his wife Cherie were avid bridge players in the Portland area and at the coast & belonged to various clubs. In earlier years Jim enjoyed taking the family camping to the mountains at the wonderful lakes and the beach. Jim & Cherie were active at their church, Roseway Presbyterian and Jim taught Sunday school and occasionally even preached sermons.

Jim was a doer, a “get it done" person, and not one to sit still. He was always trying to be a better person in body, mind, and spirit and he loved to encourage others. He was an avid reader, and had a creative spirit. In later life when he could no longer work, he would jog, take walks or ride his tricycle bike on the nature trails in Warrenton along the Columbia River. He called it his "Trail of Surprises.” Jim shared daily inspirational spiritual messages on social media, encouraging and uplifting others along his way. His family will miss his sincere prayers before meals. On his 85th birthday he prayed and asked God for 10 more years; God was faithful and fulfilled that request!

Jim loved his wife, his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren & extended family.

He married Cherie Ann Bernard January 1949. Survivors include; son, Kris Bernard (Janet); daughter, Kimberly Lawson McBride (Bruce); son, Bradley Bernard (Debra); 14 grandchildren, numerous great grandchild & great-great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cherie, his sisters Audrey Bonney & Merrilu Majovski; and his daughter, Barbara Ann Guettich.