Reimer collection

In 2010, Jim established the Reimer Family Mineral Gallery in memory of his father. He donated the extensive mineral collection accumulated by his father and himself and provided financial support to permanently preserve these specimens for public enjoyment and student education.

Reimer Family Mineral Gallery

John D. Reimer (1931-2004)

John Reimer was born in Saskatchewan, but spent his life in the Kitchener-Waterloo area where he worked in the human resources field. John became interested in the hobby of mineral collecting through the enthusiasm and urging of his son, Jim. Throughout the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, John and his family travelled across Canada and the eastern United States, collecting mineral specimens at quarries, mines, rock cuts, and trade shows. Together, they acquired more than 100 fine specimens, many of which came from localities now closed to collectors.

James D. (Jim) Reimer M.Sc., P.Geol.

John’s son, Jim, was born and educated in Waterloo Region. Jim developed a keen interest in science at an early age – an interest which led him to pursue mineral collecting as a hobby. His passion for mineralogy prompted him to enrol in the Earth Science program at the University of Waterloo. In 1978, he earned an Honours B.Sc. and then continued on to receive a Master’s degree in 1980. In 2007, Jim was named one of 50 “University of Waterloo Science Alumni of Honour”

​The Reimer Family Mineral Gallery & Groundwater-Driven Mineralization Display

The Museum’s Groundwater-Driven Mineralization display originates from several of the Reimer collection’s key specimens. In this display, minerals are arranged according to their mode of formation, by various groundwater processes, rather than the traditional practice of grouping by crystal system or chemical composition. The acquisition of additional specimens for the Groundwater-Driven Mineralization display is supported in part by a financial pledge from Jim.