Julio Ximenes Senior

Who was Julio Ximenes Senior?

Júlio Ximenes Sênior was a Brazilian scientist and medical doctor, in the research field of biochemistry, microbiology, and was also a career Brazilian Army officer.

He attained the rank of Brigadier-General during World War II. He had also served as a Captain in São Paulo during the Revolution of 1930-1932, which ultimately brought twice-Brazilian President, Getúlio Vargas, into power for the first time. Dr. Ximenes sustained injuries in these conflicts, and was decorated for bravery under fire.

During his military life, he and his family were relocated all over Brazil, including to very remote military outposts of the Amazon, and Mato Grosso do Sul. He was later permanently transferred to Rio de Janeiro, then capital of Brazil, where his family were amongst the first inhabitants of a burgeoning Copacabana, the legendary Carioca beach.

He served as Requistioner-General of the Brazilian Army, a position requiring tact, as well as honesty, as pharmaceutical companies were insistent that their stock be chosen over the other.

In fact, President Vargas once said of the General, "Ximenes is a rare Brazilian: a completely incorruptible man."