James R. Buhrmaster: Sept. 30, 1945—July 16, 2019

James Roy Buhrmaster, president and co-owner for more than 45 years of Buhrmaster Energy Group, Scotia, N.Y., died on July 16, 2019. He was 73.

The New England Fuel Institute and news outlets reported the death of Buhrmaster, whose grandfather founded the company in 1913.

Buhrmaster was a winner of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America’s Distinguished Service Award, and he was a former chairman of that association as well as the Empire State Petroleum Association (now ESEA). He also served as president of the National Oilheat Research Alliance, the Oil Heat Institute of Eastern New York and the Mohawk Valley Oil Dealers Association.

In addition, he was a dedicated public servant who represented his lifelong neighbors in Scotia, N.Y. A member of the Schenectady County Legislature since 2004, he ran for U.S. Congress in 2008 and was also a former chairman of the Schenectady County Republican Committee and the Scotia-Glenville Republican Party.

“I got to know Jim from working side-by-side with him on different industry boards over the decades,” said NEFI President and CEO Sean Cota. “It was clear to see that his dedication to his community — both his neighbors at home and his peers in the industry — was without parallel. Jim was an inspiration to us all. He will be truly missed.”

A memorial was held July 20 at Zion Lutheran Church, Schenectady.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: The Foundation for Ellis Medicine, 1101 Nott Street, Schenectady, N.Y. 12308 and The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Boulevard, Albany, N.Y. 12208.