Red John is patrick janes dad. He is stubborn, easily could be violent, felt betrayed by Patrick and jealous that his son made it so famous and left him as a side show circus act. Also Patrick belittled red John and this caused his dad to snap and kill Patrick's family. He feels there is a point to prove that he is smarter than Patrick and is all the time teasing and leading Patrick on this huge chase. It is all revenge from a jealous hateful father. Also his dad has said to him 'he always follows things through to the end' , and in the episode'throwing fire' he tells young Patrick he is off to play poker with the boys!
This is the poker meetings where Lisbon and the high ranked cbi go to play.
His dad has worked his way to the top and has connections everywhere. He has the abilities that Patrick has and has used them to become powerful and feared.

Done!