BRYAN, Ohio — James R. "Jim" Bard of Bard Manufacturing Co., a longtime manufacturer of commercial HVAC products, died peacefully at his home on July 21 at the age of 87.

Bard was born in 1937, the son of Randolph and Naomi Bard, according to an online obituary published by the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home. He graduated from Bryan High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Indiana Tech.

Bard entered the family business in 1960. He was appointed an officer of the company in 1970 and was co-chairman of the board of directors when he retired in 2003. 

In 2004, Bard was presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) in recognition of, and appreciation for, his longtime dedication to the industry. The award recognized his participation in AHRI product sections and certification and policy committees, and his membership on the association’s board of directors, over a period of 30-plus years, according to a statement from AHRI.

Bard was chairman of the Bryan Area Foundation from 2006 to 2008, served as president of the Bryan Rotary Club in 1978, and had been involved in leading United Way drives and Junior Achievement programs. He and his brother, Richard, were co-recipients in 2009 of the Bryan Good Citizen Award.

According to the funeral home, Bard is survived by his wife, Joan, to whom he was married for nearly 69 years; a daughter, Pamela Steel, and her husband, William; a sister, Kathy Martinez; a brother, Richard, and his wife, Mary; and five grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Geary.

Visitation was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 29, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service. Memorial contributions can be directed to Wesley United Methodist Church or to the Bryan Area Foundation – Community Impact Project Fund.