John Adam Marshall

John Adam "Jackson" Marshall, aged 95, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, in Santa Clarita, California. John was born on January 12, 1930, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania during The Great Depression. John lived a life defined by faith in God, service, and a deep commitment to helping others.

John was the son of Virginia and Maurice Marshall, and younger brother to Robert Marshall. He moved west with his family to Ontario, California in 1944. A man of extraordinary intellect and determination, John pursued a lifetime of education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Field Crops from California State Polytechnic University in 1954 (age 24), a Master of Divinity in Theology from Eastern Baptist Seminary in 1957 (age 27), a PhD in Religion from Southern California School of Theology in 1968 (age 38), and a PhD of Ministry from Bakke Graduate University in 2009 (age 79).

John proudly served his country in the Air National Guard from 1951 to 1953. On November 26, 1959, he married the love of his life, Gloria Anne Pierce, with whom he shared 59 years of love and devotion. Together, with great joy, they raised Bethany, Lynne, and John Jr. John also dearly loved his grandchildren Alekzander, Mikhail, Nicholas, Andrew, and Julianna. His grandchildren brought much pride and happiness to his heart.

John’s passion for service led he and Gloria to missionary work in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1960 to 1972. There he cleared jungle terrain, built a school, and established Lusekele as a school of agriculture near Vanga sur Kwilu. His efforts creating schools, churches, medical facilities, and a theological school in Kinshasa left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Upon returning to the United States, John pastored several churches including University Baptist Church in Bakersfield, California from 1973-1991. John established deep roots and friendships in Bakersfield where he and Gloria lived most of their lives after Congo. From 1991 to 2010, he turned his focus to serving the homeless population in Bakersfield by managing their social security income, securing housing, and ensuring they were fed. His tireless dedication to the underprivileged defined his life's work.

John’s life was also defined by his adventurous spirit and vibrant stories at family gatherings. Leading pack mules into the San Ysidro mountains, hopping trains across the country, working a farm in Kansas, driving UN relief trucks into conflict areas, traversing the Mai Ndombe river, traveling the world and so much more. These stories, retold with a sparkle in his eye, continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

John’s life will be remembered for his unwavering faith, hope, and love for his wife, family, and community. His legacy lives on through his children, his grandchildren, and the many lives he touched through his extraordinary efforts. John will be interred next to his beloved Gloria at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield. Services are private.