James Andrew Beard (May 5, 1903 – January 21, 1985) was an American chef and food writer. James Beard is recognized by many as the father of American gastronomy. Throughout his life, he pursued and advocated the highest standards, and served as a mentor to emerging talents in the field of the culinary arts.

:For American musician and composer Jim Beard, see Jim Beard

James Albert "Jim" Beard is a significant Wellington architect, town planner, and landscape architect. He was born in 1924 in Christchurch, New Zealand. A Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects since 1969 has in the past been closely involved in the institute at a national level. Including the Education Committee (1968-1970), Publications Committee (1965-1969), Journal Committee (1963-1964) and Library and Journal Committee (1964-1965)). He was the President of the Wellington Architectural Centre (1962), a Committee Member (1958-1960, 1982-1986), and is currently a life member. His service to the design community also included involvement with the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Designers, and the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, of which he has been an Honorary Fellow since 1998.