In memoriam
NPMC Fuels System Engineer of the Year (2004)
The fuels engineering community has lost a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend with the passing of Jimmy Brasch, who died after a long illness. His absence will be deeply felt by colleagues across the military and engineering communities, many of whom were shaped by his guidance, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Jimmy’s career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spanned nearly three decades and left an enduring impact on military fueling infrastructure worldwide. As a fuels engineer, he distinguished himself through his exceptional technical knowledge, precision, and ability to solve complex challenges. In recognition of these contributions, he was named NPMA Fuels System Engineer of the Year in 2004, a testament to the respect he earned throughout the Department of Defense.
He was widely known as a leading expert in Type III military hydrant fueling systems and their associated storage complexes. Jimmy’s work helped shape critical fueling operations that support the readiness of U.S. forces across the globe. Within the Corps’ Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants Technical Center of Expertise (POL-TCX), he played a pivotal role in supporting fueling systems for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Reserves, and National Guard. His influence extended to major international efforts, including base master planning and fuel system design phases at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.
Beyond his technical achievements, Jimmy was a mentor to many. As the longtime Fuels Engineer Lead at USACE Omaha, he invested in the next generation—sharing not just knowledge, but a standard of professionalism and dedication that continues to guide those he taught. His colleagues remember him not only as a “go-to” expert, but as someone generous with his time and committed to helping others succeed.
After retiring from federal service in 2012, Jimmy remained active in the field, lending his expertise to industry partners including Pond and Argus. His continued involvement reflected a lifelong passion for fuels engineering and a desire to keep contributing to the profession he cared so deeply about.
Jimmy earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, laying the foundation for a career defined by service, innovation, and leadership.
Today, we remember Jimmy Brasch not only for his professional accomplishments, but for the legacy he leaves behind in the people he mentored, the systems he helped build, and the community he strengthened. His contributions will continue to support missions around the world, and his example will continue to inspire.
He will be greatly missed.
