James H. Barnard was a native of Chicago where he was a corporate lawyer. He retired in 1920 and relocated to New York where he married Ms. Lotta Lacey in 1925. Barnard was co-Trustee of the estate of Mrs. Hofstra.

Along with Mr. Howard Brower, Barnard was active in the establishment of Hofstra College in 1935. On Oct. 8, 1937, Hofstra College dedicated its newest building in his honor. Mr. Barnard died on March 28, 1939 in New Orleans.