James (Red) Frederick Redfern Jr., was born on April 28, 1928 in Chesterfield, South Carolina to the union of James and Carrie Redfern. There were two children born to this union the other, Wilhelmina Coy of whom all three have preceded James in death.

James moved to Tampa, Florida at an early age and attended the local schools there. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1946 and continued his education at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee Florida where he received his Masters Degree in Mathematics . He served in the military forces in the Korean War (Army) for two years. He came back to Tampa and taught Special Education for over 20 years. He has four children all from Tampa. He moved to Miami in 1983. He met and married Joylin in 1994 whom he loved for his remaining 23 years.

He was a loving, kind and gentle man who was very devoted to his children. He never was the one to complain even if he didn't feel well. Always polite to everyone he met. His personality seemed to draw people to him. Dad said on many occasions towards the end that he is grateful to God for allowing him such a full and extended life. For each day to him was more than just living, it was a blessing. He will be truly missed by his family and all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn a devoted wife, Joylin Gayle Redfern, 4 children, James Redfern III (Arceli), Starlita Kent (Fred), Pamela Smith (Burton), Marilyn Windham (George). 9 grandchildren; Katrina Griffin (Peter), Sherrie (Chris), Maria Hinds, Nathaniel (Mercedes), Arielle Gilliam, Samantha Smith, Jamal Williams, Jayson Williams, Naomi Windham; 12 great-grands; Kylie Gilliam, Darien Raymore, Kaden Raymore, Jaden Raymore; Don Philippe, Matthew Philippe, Nathaniel Philon III, Natalia Philon, Cullen Philon, Zahniece Philon, Keira Griffin, Kelsey Griffin, 2 nieces; Carol Coy (Duke), Dianne Walker, 1 nephew Jimmy Coy other relatives and friends include; Sister-In-Laws; Louise Hyatt, Charlotte Swaby, Judith Daley, Ramona Gayle, Elaine Gayle-Chin, Brother-In-Laws; Alick Gayle, Michael Gayle, Special Niece; Novelett Hyatt Special Nephew; Jonathan Gayle, Dear Friend & Special Neighbor; Tia Diaz-Balart and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, and a host of family and friends.