Red was born to Louis James and Grace (Wing), on August 28, 1924, named Louis, Jr. and called Jay by all his family, including his parents and his sister, Jean. He lived with his grandparents, Ben and Martha until he was five and his father remarried Ione Hannamaker. He spent all his educational years harassing the teachers in Auburn Heights, and quit school in the 11th grade to go to work. He met his future bride, Evelyn Stone, in 1940 but was dating her girlfriend at that time. Eventually they got together and became an item before he enlisted in the army in March of 1943.

His army days were something he seldom talked about, although serving in the artillery division had long term effects. He did his basic service in Fort Custer, MI and drove an ammunitions truck through campaigns in France, Central Europe and finally Germany helping to liberate two concentration camps, which he described as the most horrible experience of his life. He received the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, a Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. The only hardship he ever spoke about was walking guard duty for 6 hours on a broken ankle that he broke playing baseball... but that was his style. He was discharged in June of 1946 and returned home to marry his sweetheat Lynn.

Red and Lynn were married on October 19, 1946 and their first child, Michael, was born in September the following year. They continued to be "blessed" with Marsha, Mark, Mary, Steve and Shawn during the next 17 years. His greatest regret was his divorce from Lynn in 1971 and his greatest sorrows were burying her in 1990 and his son, Mark in 1999. He tried working as a gas station attendant/mechanic and a line worker in the factory, but he just hated working inside all day. He finally made further use of his training from the army and got a job driving for Motorcar Transport. He drove for the remainder of his working years, retiring from Mobil Oil in 1984.

Red enjoyed his retirement years, continuing to ride his Harley for many years after. He had many adventures and managed to created disturbances everywhere he went with the assistance of his lifelong cousin and friend, Don Isles. He made friends wherever he went with his humor and jokes. He was hard-headed and stubborn but could always be counted on to help anyone in need. Many-a-time he gave money to people in parking lots or on the side of the road, always with a smile and a shrug. He worked a lot on relationships with his kids and was so proud of his children. He was further blessed with wonderful grandchildren, Amy, Caitlynn, Jacob, Miranda and Hunter whom he loved dearly. They in turn brought much laughter and enriched his life, particularly by adding, Evelyn, Violet and Emily as great-grandaughters, whom he treasured.

Red wasn't perfect by any means. He had regrets and sorrows. He sometimes held a grudge, was stubborn, and had a temper. He had a knack for saying the worst thing at the worst possible time. But, as he aged, he began to grow. He softened-up, learned about tolerance and patience. He learned to talk about his feelings and he learned how to apologize. He also learned the true value of family.

He was loved, and he will be missed.