Colonel Jacques Bernier, U.S. Army (Ret.), of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026 at the age of 96. Born on August 15, 1929, in Washington, D.C., to Conrad and Denise Bernier, Jacques dedicated his life to service and to the people he loved most—his family.

He proudly served his country for 27 years in the United States Army, including during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His military career was a source of deep pride, but it was only one part of a life rich with accomplishment and purpose. Jacques earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and later completed a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado following his retirement from the Army. He went into the corporate world before finishing his professional life in education.

Jacques was married for 52 years to Michele Genest, with whom he raised five children, and later shared 19 loving years of marriage with Simone Taschereau. Family was at the center of his life. He is survived by his brother, Claude (Dill) Bernier; children, Danielle Schmidt, Marc Bernier, Philippe Bernier, Denise (Keith) Putman, and Paul (Kathy) Bernier; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his extended Canadian family, all of whom will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.

A Catholic funeral service will be held at 12:00 on March 21, 2026 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Jacques lived a full and remarkable life, and his family invites those who knew him to remember him fondly, share a story, and raise a glass in celebration of his enduring legacy.