R.J. was born on January 15, 1988. During high school at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, R.J.became very interested in his faith. At age 16, he considered entering the seminary. His passion, though, was music. Music worked its way into every facet of R.J's life.

He used music to connect with other people. R.J. made most of his friends through connections in music. He was an early moderator for SongMeanings.com. The fledgling website gave music lovers a forum to discuss the deeper meanings of song lyrics.

He also worked music into his faith life. In preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, R.J. already knew that he wanted his confirmation saint to be Saint Augustine. Why? Because Saint Augustine said," he who sings prays twice."

R.J. founded a pop-punk band named Cellar Door, where he played bass guitar. Over spring break vacation in March 2004, Cellar Door began recording its first demo CD. On March 25, R.J. finished mastering the first track and uploaded the song "Number To" to PureVolume.com. He passed away in his sleep over the night.

After R.J.'s passing, his friends and family learned so much more about him through his journal that he left behind. R.J. cleverly hid his journal in a notebook labeled "SPANISH". Though R.J. was passive in his public life, he poured his heart out in his journal. Tucked between the typical worries of a high school sophomore were his dreams and aspirations. His kind heart flowed from pen to paper.

R.J.’s memory lives on through Promise Bound Charities’ mission by removing barriers for tomorrow’s missionaries to proclaim Christ’s joy