John Henry Ervin Jr. was born April 30, 1940, in Gilmer, Texas. He was the youngest child of John Henry Ervin Sr. and Lela Belle Granville Ervin. John grew up in a loving family surrounded by his brothers and sisters. He joined Zion Hill Baptist Church at an early age, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to faith.
He graduated from Bruce High School in 1957 and enrolled at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and biology and met his future wife, Malinda West. They married June 20, 1965, and moved to Seattle, where his brothers, Charles and James, resided. Together, they built a loving family, raising two children, Tracy L. (Jim) Lowery and John W. Ervin. Later, they were blessed with two grandsons, Myles Lowery and Jared Ervin.
John joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1966 and served on the MZBC preschool and kindergarten board. He continued to serve Mount Zion Baptist Church in various leadership roles, including serving as nominating committee chair and as a member of the audit committee. He was ordained as a deacon in 1975 and served as diaconate treasurer and diaconate chair during his 50 years on the deacon board. His faith remained central throughout his life.
He contributed to his community through service on the Redmond Policy Advisory Commission, the Harborview Community Health Advisory Board, and the Redmond Planning Commission. In 1984, he chaired the Health Committee. He was a presenter at numerous conferences in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, including Gov. Lowry’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in Spokane. As a life member of the U.S. Jaycees, he rose to the rank of Washington state vice president. John’s passion for baseball led to recognition by the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association. He was honored with a standing ovation upon receiving the Eshelman Award as “Umpire of the Year” for 20 years of stellar umpiring.
John’s career was marked by steady achievement. Starting as assistant manager of housekeeping at the University of Washington Hospital, he was appointed director of University of Washington Hospital Facilities Services in 1975. He was elected president of the Seattle chapter of the International Facility Management Association in 1988. John earned his MBA from City University and taught management courses for 21 years. He later founded Ervin Real Estate LLC, further expanding his professional impact.
John will be remembered for his ability to face life’s challenges, unconditional love for his family, exemplary work ethic, and fierce determination to achieve his goals.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Willie Ervin, Shelton L. Ervin, Lonnie Doris Crowe, Charles W. Ervin Sr., Oracious Ervin, Dr. Johnnie Ruth Stripling, and Naomi Waddleton.
John and Malinda celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 20, 2025. He passed away Nov. 25, 2025. He leaves to honor his legacy his beloved wife, loving children, and caring grandsons. He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, relatives, co-workers, and friends.
His life will be honored at a service Jan. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church. Repast immediately following. Arrangements are entrusted to Bonney Watson Funeral Home, with interment at Sea-Tac Washington Memorial.
