A responsive, reliable and respectful voice.

About Jim Erb

Jim ErbAs a lifelong resident of Waterloo Region, Jim Erb was fortunate to be raised in small town Ontario – the Village of Wellesley, by parents who modelled the importance of caring for one another and the community you live in. He has been happily married to Marianne (Schmidt) Erb for 47 years and they have two married sons and seven grandchildren.

From an early age, Jim’s goal in life was to be a Funeral Director. That dream was realized in 1968 when he graduated as a licenced Funeral Director. For over 50 years, he has been proud to serve and walk with families who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. He successfully owned and operated Erb & Good Family Funeral Home in Waterloo for over 30 years where he still works part-time.

Community Involvement

Through the example of his parents and many significant mentors along the way, Jim has given back to his community.

* Elected to Waterloo Regional Council 2019 – 2022
* Seeking re-election on Monday, October 24, 2022, for a second term
* Chaired numerous community task forces, interim committees, and capital fundraising campaigns for organization such as The Working Centre and House of Friendship
* Member, Rotary Club of Kitchener Conestoga for 38 years
* Chair, Rotary Club of Kitchener Conestoga Annual Turkey Drive for eight years in support of House of Friendship Christmas Hamper Project
* Councillor, City of Waterloo 1980 – 1988
* Chaired and was a committee member of numerous capital fundraising campaigns for organizations such as The Working Centre, House of Friendship and One Voice One Vision to transform health care in Waterloo Region
* Board member, KidsAbility Foundation
* Board member, Shalom Counselling
* Board member, Kitchener & Waterloo Community Foundation
* Board member, United Way of Kitchener Waterloo and Area
* Founding board member, Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
* Former board member and treasurer, Habitat for Humanity Canada
* Past Chair, Centre for Family Business & Citizens for Better Government
* Past Chair, Ontario Board of Funeral Service
* Committee member, Ontario Funeral Service Association
* Former Big Brother with Big Brother Association of KW for 15 years
* Former member, Waterloo Lions Club
* Founding Chair, Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival
* Past President, Wellesley & District Board of Trade

Community Recognitions

* Caring Canadian Award presented by Governor General David Johnston – 2014
* Kitchener Waterloo Citizen of the Year – 2013
* Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award presented by Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce – 2013
* Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal – 2012
* Honouree at Mayor’s Dinner for The Working Centre – 2011
* City of Waterloo 150 Anniversary Award honouring 150 most influential people in City’s 150 th year history – 2007
* Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal – 2002

Ecumenical Faith Community

Jim has been a lifelong member of the Erb Street Mennonite Church in Waterloo. He attributes his association with the Mennonite faith as a significant influence that helped to shape his values and advocacy for issues of social justice. He has also been involved with the ecumenical community in Waterloo Region to help create an environment where all are heard and valued, regardless of their faith tradition.

* Lifelong active member and former chair, Erb Street Mennonite Church
* Past President, Kitchener Waterloo Council of Churches
* Committee member, Interfaith Community Breakfast
* Committee member, Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada
* Board member, Silver Lake Mennonite Camp
* Board member, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate

Involved in numerous community interfaith ecumenical initiatives Jim loves engaging in good conversation, about anything, but especially current affairs, community wellbeing and politics. He is an avid gardener, enjoys downhill skiing, tennis and is a semi-pro painter and fixer-upper of his children’s family homes. Family time, especially at their Chesley Lake cottage are priorities for Marianne and Jim.

A RESPONSIVE, RELIABLE AND RESPECTED VOICE.