Published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle November 12, 2024

I knew Bernie for over four decades and, no matter how long I live, I will never encounter another soul who combines Bernie’s selfless generosity, empathy, passion for sharing knowledge and great humor.

I watched in awe for nearly 25 years as Bernie envisioned groundbreaking philanthropic responses to social and medical challenges. To me, the common thread running through his philanthropy was Bernie’s heart. He was a uniquely empathetic man driven to repair the world.

As a teacher, Bernie shared his wisdom liberally, but never dogmatically. Anyone who sought Bernie’s counsel would say that he was both stunningly brilliant and quite persuasive.

More than anything else, I will miss Bernie’s smile. His appreciation for his own great fortune, family and friends was profound, and Bernie marched through life with an infectious joy that, for me, defined him.

What a life!

James S. Grien knew Bernie Marcus for more than 40 years and was a Marcus Foundation trustee for nearly a quarter century. He is vice chairman and co-head of investment banking at TM Capital, a division of Janney.