Jan Duncan Marshall Obituary
Jan “Jay” Duncan Marshall, whose deep faith in Jesus touched the lives of so many, went home to the Lord on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Lufkin, Texas, on November 23, 1946, Jay spent his life following Christ and serving others.
Jay devoted his life to Christian ministry. Over more than 50 years he served as Children’s/College Pastor at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, TX (1970–1977); Co-Senior Pastor of Conroe Bible Church in Conroe, TX (1977–1984); Senior Pastor of Mission Hills Church in Mission Viejo, CA (1984–2003); Executive Pastor of Newsong Church in Oceanside, CA (2003–2005); and Senior Pastor of Valley Christian Fellowship in Solvang, CA (2005–2022). Jay brought his keen engineering mind to building the church, combining practical Bible teaching with ministries and small groups that helped people grow in their faith.
Away from church ministry Jay was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing sports with his sons and grandchildren. During his college days at the University of Texas, he was selected as the intramural best all-around athlete two years in a row. For nearly a decade he served as head tennis coach at Laguna Hills High School and continued playing tennis until the final weeks of his life. Jay also loved inventing games for children, with an uncanny ability to turn red Solo cups, tennis balls, or a bucket of ping pong balls into hours of entertainment for his grandchildren.
On June 9, 1973, Jay married his lifelong partner in ministry, Suzanne Greene. Their marriage was built on deep faith and mutual love. Jay viewed Suzanne as the secret to his successful ministry. Jay’s legacy lives on through their three sons, Chris (Katie) Marshall of San Clemente, CA; Jon (Kimi) Marshall of Santa Ana, CA; and Zac (Jessica) Marshall of Carol Stream, IL; and thirteen grandchildren: Kieran, Marea, Hanalei, Josiah, Elsie, Phineas, Hannah, Haddon, Felicity, Everett, Oliver, Silas, and Sybil. He is also survived by his brothers Gary, Dennis (Cathy), and Randy (Janet) Marshall, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
One of Jay’s deepest desires was to be a transitional generation for his children—to change the trajectory of his family for Christ and leave a legacy of faith for generations to come. His goal was accomplished as all three of his sons follow the Lord and serve in ministry.
He is now rejoicing in the presence of his loved ones who awaited him: his parents, Gene and Mary Ellen, and Angela Zheng, a daughter in his heart whom he loved deeply.
Jay’s life was a gift to his family, the church, and the many people he served. His faith and kindness will continue through the lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
