Local 332 has suffered a tremendous loss: Our brother, leader, and friend, Javier Casillas, suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away on July 15, 2025. He was always someone who would give his right arm to help others, and that’s exactly what he did on his last day by donating his organs to save lives.

Javier was like a blood brother to so many of us. He had an incredible impact on Local 332, the labor movement, and our community. When we disagreed, he reminded us that we are a union family. To him, growing all of our personal connections was always as important as growing our market share. Whether it was breaking bread at our union picnic, attending sporting events, or volunteering in the community, Javier always prioritized the bonds of brother and sisterhood. 

In one of his last columns as business manager, Javier said, “Many of us have the narrative that ‘crying is for sissies,’ and if you have any feelings, you go at it alone. When my mother died, I went to work. My sister died, and I went to work. My grandfather died, and I went to work. I was taught that you grieve at home in private. I know a lot of you were taught the same. I want you all to recognize that there’s a lot of shit going down right now, and it’s OK to share your feelings and ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Not weakness! We are a union family and need to help each other through life. We build together and grow our families together. That’s the IBEW brother- and sisterhood.”

Javier served IBEW 332 and our community with honor and dignity for many years. Brother Casillas started his IBEW career as an apprentice in 2006, graduated in 2011, and did not wait long to give back to Local 332. He became an instructor in 2014, continued teaching for 11 years, and was still helping some apprentices over the recent 4th of July weekend. He worked in the field as a journeyman, foreman, and general foreman before being elected as Local 332’s president in 2017. He served in that role for six years before being elected as business manager in 2023.

He was fiercely loyal to his friends, family, the IBEW, and the greater community. He leaves behind his lovely wife, Jennifer, a 19-year-old daughter, and 16-year-old son.

Many of us have shed a lot of tears since learning the news. But knowing Javier, we also know that he would want us to keep on living, spend time with our family and friends, support our communities, and fight for what’s right. We have set up this site for members and loved ones to write about the impacts Javier had on you and any memories or photos you wish to share. There’s also a drop box at the hall if you want to drop off a card or donation for his family. 

Thank you to all of you who have donated to support Javier’s family during this tragic time. If you haven’t done so, the GoFundMe page is still live for donations. The outpouring of support so far is the greatest reflection of the love and impact Javier had on 332 and all of us. This is an incredible loss, and we will miss him very much.