Coach Vermillion attended Jackson High School from 1994-1996. He played defensive end and outside linebacker for Jackson High School which went to state in 1994. He then attended Cedar Crest High School where he played defensive end. He graduated from Cedar Crest High School in 1997.

Coach Vermillion served in The Marine Corps from 1999-2014. He played football for the Marine Corps while stationed at 29 Palms MCAGCC. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was wounded by an IED blast in 2010 during his last tour in Afghanistan.

Coach Vermillion volunteered as a coach for Jackson High School in 2016-2018. He moved after the passing of his late wife and coached Defensive Line for Eureka High School from 2018 to 2020. He has since moved back to Jackson, MO permanently to coach and teach for Jackson High School.

Jay is now retired from the Marine Corps and enjoys time with his wife and 5 children as well as hunting. Jay is graduating with a degree this summer from Liberty University and plans to continue to substitute teach at Jackson.