Dr. John S. Marshall

1934 - 2010

Dr. John S. Marshall, surrounded by his family who loved and cherished him, passed peacefully into the welcoming arms of his Lord on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010. John was born in Oakland, Calif., on April 12, 1934 to George and Fern Marshall.

Dr. Marshall was an esteemed educator and mentor. He has left a lasting impression on the quality of education in our community. His legacy lives on through the work of those he has influenced with his wisdom, writing and teaching. John was recognized numerous times for his visionary leadership from the Association of California School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa and from his colleagues at California Lutheran University.

Dr. Marshall received both his Bachelor of Arts and his Master of Arts degrees in Educational Administration from San Francisco State University. At the age of 26 he became the youngest principal in the state of California. He continued with his education and received his Doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley. John served as Director of Program Development for the Montebello School District before moving his family to Ventura County in 1974. John served as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Oxnard Elementary School District until his retirement from there in 1989. Also, during his time in Oxnard School District, he served as a doctoral dissertation advisor and professor for the University of LaVerne.

The ultimate goal on his career path was met in 1990 when he became an Associate Professor at California Lutheran University. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program at CLU that was launched in 2006. His students described him as a masterful lecturer and mentor who was visionary in knowing how to enact change in teaching to get better results in learning. Dr. Marshall remained with the university until his retirement in 2002.

John Marshall was a man of integrity with a generous spirit. He had great vitality and focus and exhibited tremendous self discipline in all his pursuits. Throughout his life he was physically active and had a deep appreciation of beauty in nature. To celebrate his fiftieth birthday, John rode a hundred miles on his bicycle. His aesthetic awareness also showed itself in his appreciation of the fine arts. John was a patriot.

After retiring, he took pleasure in reading numerous books on the history of the United States. First and foremost with John was the family he cherished. The kindness, warmth and generosity of his love and devotion will always burn in the hearts of his family.

John is survived by his wife and best friend, Judith; former wife, Ramona Marshall, mother of his beloved children: Karen and Richard Jacobson of Lake Oswego, Ore., Linda and Koert DuBois, Cameron and Mary Marshall, and Julie and Marc Hoopingarner all of Ventura. Also, five grandchildren: Audrey and Laura Jacobson, Garrett and Zachary Marshall, and Marshall Hoopingarner. He also leaves his sister, Marilyn Carroll, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as best friends, Bill and Meredith Tibbey of Monterey, Calif.

John is predeceased by his brothers, George and Jerry Marshall.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at The Church of the Epiphany, 5450 Churchwood Dr., Oak Park, Calif., phone: 818-991-4797, www.tcote.org. Reception to follow in Parish Hall.

In thanks: We would like to thank God for His many blessings throughout John's illness. We also appreciate the dedication of his physicians and loving and devoted caregivers. We are grateful for the love and support of dear friends and neighbors. And finally, we give our heartfelt thanks to the angels from Buena Vista Hospice who we will never forget because of the comfort they provided to John and to our family in his final days and hours.

Information on John's Illness: Lewy Body Disease, www.lbda.org. Donation suggestions: Buena Vista Hospice, 143 Triunfo Canyon Rd. # 103, Westlake Village, CA 91361; Phone: 805-777-1133.