James Bard

James A. Bard of Wayne, PA died January 17, 2020 peacefully at home after a brief illness.

Jim was born in Bethlehem, PA, April 3, 1924, the son of J. Kraybill Bard and Bernice Witmer Bard. The Family soon moved to the Lackawanna/Eggertsville, NY area in 1927 and in the following years, younger sister, Audrey and younger brother, Alfred completed the Family. Jim graduated from Amherst Central HS in 1942 and headed to Penn State, while enlisting in the Reserves. He was called up and trained as a Map Reader in the 106th Infantry until he was sent to Europe and captured by Enemy forces during the Battle of the Bulge, December, 1944. Jim remained a prisoner until the Allied Victory in May, 1945.

After the War, Jim returned to Penn State and completed his BS in Metallurgical Engineering in 1948. Then it was back to Bethlehem, PA to work for Bethlehem Steel and marry Mary Reynolds, who was also born in Bethlehem, moved away and went back. They were married in 1951 and by 1960 had 5 sons & a daughter and were then living on Poplar Avenue in Wayne. Jim was working for a British firm, J. Bishop & Co. in Frazer, which became Johnson Matthey. He retired from that Firm after 35 years.

Jim always had a heart for Civic Associations and always tried to be a good neighbor. He was involved with his Fraternity Organizations from College, was a Deacon at The Wayne Presbyterian Church, served with the North Wayne Protective Association while living on Poplar Ave. and the Springdell Village Home Owners Association after moving to Chesterbrook in 1981. He was an active member and Officer in the American Legion Post 418 and also served on the Board of the Veterans Hospital in Spring City, PA.

Jim enjoyed summers in Sea Isle City with his growing Family, eventually entertaining 8 Grandchildren at the Beach and around campfires at Pine Haven Campground. There were trips with his Wife, Mary, to the Poconos and overseas. They especially enjoyed motoring around the UK, France and Germany over the years. They explored the USA from Alaska to Key West.

In quiet moments of the day, Jim enjoyed lifelong stamp collecting and communing with tanks of Guppies. He also enjoyed studying the Genealogy of his Lancaster County ancestors and wrote essays about them as well as about his wartime experiences. Jim was a technical writer/speaker during the course of his career. He addressed conferences and lent his expertise to such things as The Manual on the Use of Thermocouples in Temperature Measurement (1974); the updated e-book still bears his name.

Jim Bard enjoyed a long life and a long, active Retirement. May he rest in Peace with his Lord and the everlasting love & devotion of his Family & Friends. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, their 6 children David, Mary K., Jonathan (Michele), Eric, Jamie and  Philip (Debbie).  David and wife, Jannie have 4 children and 15 Grandchildren. Eric (and Barbara, dec'd 2016) have 2 children and one Granddaughter. Jamie and his wife, Sherrie have 3 children and 2 Grandchildren.

A Memorial Service and Luncheon will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 50 West Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wounded Warriors Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate