James Howard Bernhardt

Jim was born in Chicago, IL, and grew up in Moorestown, NJ. He graduated from Lafayette College in 1966 and received his MBA in 1968 from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Jim and his family moved to Greer in 1975 where he joined Texize as Senior Brand Manager for Spray ‘n Wash. He eventually became Vice President of Marketing for the Household Cleaning Products division of DowBrands. In the 1990’s he moved with DowBrands to Toronto, Ontario, where he served as President of DowBrands Canada and then to Indianapolis, IN, as Chief Marketing Officer for DowBrands. Jim concluded his business career as Senior Vice President for Scotts Miracle-Gro and as Chief Marketing Officer for Aearo Technologies.

Jim surrendered his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 47 and began a beautiful journey towards his Lord and savior. He strove to honor and serve God and never allowed ALS to stop him from living each day to the fullest. His unwavering faith and positive outlook throughout his illness were an inspiration to many. Jim maintained his quick wit and sense of humor throughout and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and a faithful friend. He was an active member and deacon at Taylor’s First Baptist Church. Jim served the elderly in his church family, visiting those in nursing homes, even up till the week he passed away.

Before his illness, Jim was an avid golfer with the Silverblades at Thornblade. In addition to golf, he enjoyed spending time with family, attending Bible studies, traveling, walking on the beach at Wild Dunes, dining out and joking with friends, working in the yard, and attending Clemson sporting events.

Jim was predeceased by his mother and father, Jean D. Bernhardt and Howard E. Bernhardt both of Moorestown, NJ, and his brother, Thomas Bernhardt, of Mt. Laurel, NJ.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Lindsey Britton Bernhardt, his sister Susan Cucinotta of Berkeley Springs, WV, his children Amy and Josh Henderson of Spartanburg, SC, and A.J. and Erin Bernhardt of Johnson City, TN, as well as four beautiful grandchildren: Lindsey Elizabeth Henderson, Matthew Henderson, Anna Bernhardt, and Morgan Bernhardt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Taylors First Baptist Church or the ALS Association, through the Jim Berhnhardt Memorial Fund (http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/PersonalFund/NationalOffice?px=7251985&pg=personal&fr_id=10054) at www.alsa.org.

Services will be held at Taylors First Baptist Church on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 3:00 pm, with the family receiving friends before the service, beginning at 1:30 pm.