Jay was born in Vancouver, WA, on November 24, 1945, to Roosevelt Lathan, Sr. and Pearline Butler Lathan. Jay left us to be with God, his parents, siblings, and others he cherished on May 9, 2025. His surviving siblings are Patt, Sharon, Wildon, Milton, and Kevin (Lathan). Siblings who preceded Jay in death are Lee, Larry, Meldon, and Juleen