By Steve Neavling
James Bernazzani, who previously served as special agent in charge of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, died Sunday.
He was 68.
“Jim was a special person,” former U.S. Attorney Jim Letten told WVUE. “He had high energy and was always so dedicated to doing the right thing. He was an incredible leader and I enjoyed our time working together.”
Bernazzani spent much of his career working on terrorism investigations. After heading the New Orleans Field Office for three years, he retired from the bureau in 2008.
He spent 24 years at the FBI.
He also served as assistant special agent in charge of the Houston Division.
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack, Bernazzani was promoted to deputy director for Law Enforcement at the Counterterrorism Center.
“Jim was a force of nature,” Alex Calenda, a Louisiana assistant attorney general and former Orleans Parish prosecutor, said. “One of the most impressive law enforcement people you will ever meet. A mentor and, more importantly, a friend. Go Red Sox.”
After his retirement, Bernazzani became president and founder of the Youth Rescue Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people achieve their potential.
In 2010, he launched Idoneous Global, a security and intelligence consulting firm operated by former FBI agents.
Bernazzani was also an adjunct professor at Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement, where he taught about counterterrorism.
Bernazzani received a master’s degree from Harvard University.
He is survived by a son and daughter.
