Glen Jackson, pastor of 28 years at Faith Christian Church of Simi Valley, has died at the age of 58.

Jackson died Friday at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills.

"Here's a guy who was reasonably healthy," said Rod Richie, pastor at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Simi Valley. "It was really a shock."

Jackson was initially admitted to Simi Valley Hospital on July 29 for what was thought to be an aneurysm, said Lance Skifter, his son-in-law and youth pastor at Faith Christian Church. He said Jackson was later transferred to Providence, where doctors determined he had suffered a stroke.

Rick Fish, pastor of Live Ride Christian Ministries in Simi Valley, said a constant stream of people visited the hospital to pray with Jackson's wife, Nicki.

Skifter said Jackson's call to the ministry began at San Jose Bible College. While attending the college, Jackson went to a conference where he heard a speech by Luis Palau, an evangelistic Christian who ministers around the world. Skifter said Palau's speech inspired Jackson to become a pastor.

Richie, who had known Jackson for 25 years, said Jackson was active in the community, involved in the Community Pregnancy Center, the Faith Christian annual golf tournament, the local Walk for Life and other events.

"Glen just wasn't another pastor in town. He was our friend," Fish said.

Richie and Fish said Jackson was a consistent person who cared more about making his small ministry of 100 people strong than about expanding it.

"Each of the churches in Simi Valley has a unique identity," Fish said. "Glen's church was a family."

Skifter said he found Jackson to be the same at home as he was in the community. "I felt like he loved me like I was his own son," Skifter said.

"He loved Jesus. He loved his family. He loved his church," Richie said.

In addition to Nicki, his wife of 30 years, Jackson is survived by parents Fran Petty and Robert Jackson; siblings Christine O'Connel, Linda Jones and Ryan Jackson; daughters Erin Skifter and Ashley Jackson; foster daughter Kathryn Couch; and a foster grandchild.

A memorial service for Jackson will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Brethren Church, 2900 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley.