Marsh was born in Stoke-on-Trent and was a star performer in the youth teams at Stoke City. A boyhood Stoke fan Marsh realised his dream making his debut against Arsenal on the opening day of the 1967–68. He made the right back position his own the following season making 30 appearances. Marsh was a combative right-back who had good control and a fair turn of speed for a small chunky player. He specialised in hard low crosses into the box which allowed forwards to flick on to others or volley towards goal. Jimmy Greenhoff recalls: "Jackie was so skilful, I am sure if he had played for Manchester United he would have played for England. He was a defender who played like a midfielder." He played 47 times in 1970–71 as Stoke reached the semi-final of the FA Cup losing out to Arsenal. He then played in a huge 69 matches during the hectic 1971–72 which saw Stoke again lose to Arsenal at the semi-final stage but they did beat Chelsea 2–1 in the 1972 League Cup final earning the "Potters" their first major trophy.