Dr. James L. Barnard

Dr James Laing Barnard passed away peacefully in the early hours of 27 January 2026 at his home in Leawood, Kansas. He was 90.

He is survived by his wife, Maryna; his daughter, Yvette Wilsenach; his son-in-law, Wynand Wilsenach; his grandsons, Gregory and James; and his great-grandson, Ilias James. He is also survived by his brother, Sarel Barnard, of Cape Town.

James was born in Cape Town on 6 June 1935, one of eight children. He studied civil engineering at Stellenbosch University before receiving a bursary to continue his studies in the United States. He completed further studies at the University of Texas at Austin and earned his PhD from Vanderbilt University under the tutelage of Prof Wes Eckenfelder.

Over the course of an extraordinary career, Dr Barnard became internationally recognised for his pioneering work in environmental and water engineering and as the father of biological nutrient removal process in wastewater. His research featured in more than 60 international publications, and his contributions profoundly shaped wastewater treatment practice worldwide.

Among his many honours, he was awarded the Camp Medal from the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Imhoff/Koch Award from the International Water Association, and the Clarke Prize of the National Water Research Institute. In 2011, he received the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize at Singapore International Water Week. He was elected a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Fellow of WEF, and in 2021 was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering.

James received honorary doctorates from the University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University, and Iowa State University. He was awarded a Gold Medal by the South African Academy of Science and Arts and was a member of the International Water Association’s Distinguished Group of Professionals. His achievements were further recognised through numerous awards and lectures named in his honour, reflecting the deep respect he commanded within his field.

Despite these accolades, James remained modest, curious, and deeply engaged with people. He worked until the age of 89 and was known not only for his professionalism but also for his generosity as a mentor, particularly to younger engineers. He took great pleasure in helping others grow and was valued as a loyal friend with a sharp wit and a warm sense of humour.

Outside of work, James loved the sea, camping, and holidays in Plettenberg Bay. He played squash in his younger years and later took up golf. He was passionate about travel and languages, loved reading, and delighted in discussing politics and philosophy. Until near the end, he still enjoyed puzzles such as Codewords and bridge. He and Maryna loved classical music and were season ticket-holders at the Kansas City Symphony. He was immensely proud of his grandsons and their achievements, and his face would light up whenever he heard from colleagues, spoke to family, or watched videos of his great-grandson.

James also loved working with his hands, a good barbecue, and an afternoon nap on the stoep in Cape Town. Even in his final days, he was telling nurses funny stories—his humour and humanity intact to the end.

A celebration of James’s life will be held on Tuesday, 10 February, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas. A few words will be spoken at approximately 4:00 pm.

Please feel free to share your memories below.