1936
Birth of James Clayton Dobson, Jr.
1936
Little Jimmy Dobson on his front porch
Jimmy with his mother, Myrtle Dobson
Jim Dobson later said of his mother, “She had a remarkable knowledge of children and their care. She never took a class or read a book about mothering, but she had an intuitive understanding of the job.” Dr. Dobson dedicated his first book, Dare to Discipline, to Myrtle Dobson “Because she had earned it … I learned many of the concepts and techniques in that book at my mother’s knee.”
Jimmy Dobson with his father, Rev. James C. Dobson, Sr.
His dad was an evangelist and pastor. He had a deep passion to share the gospel of Christ. Young Jimmy trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of three on a Sunday evening following one of his dad’s sermons and altar calls.
At 16, Jimmy and his family moved to San Benito, Texas.
During these formative years, Jimmy spent hours fishing and hunting with his dad. They had many meaningful conversations that influenced Jim Dobson for his entire life.
1954
Jim Dobson graduated from San Benito (Texas) High School in 1954.
1954
Jim Dobson the summer before heading to Pasadena College
College days at Pasadena College in California
Jim Dobson with his cousin and friend, H.B. London, at Pasadena College
Jim Dobson as a member of the Pasadena College tennis team
Jim Dobson met Shirley Deere, and she became his college sweetheart.
1958
Jim graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Pasadena College in 1958. After serving in the National Guard and Shirley’s graduation from Pasadena College, Jim and Shirley became engaged.
1958
1960
Jim and Shirley were married on August 27, 1960.
1960
1965
Jim was well into his Ph.D. program at USC in 1965 when the Dobsons welcomed their daughter, Danae.
1965
1967
Jim and Shirley Dobson on the day in 1967 he received his Ph.D. in Child Development from the University of Southern California.
1967
1970
James Ryan Dobson joined the family in 1970.
1970
The Dobsons were a happy and busy family.
1977
Seeing the need to help families, Dr. Dobson began Focus on the Family in a small office in Arcadia, California.
1977
1978
In September of 1978, Dr. Dobson videotaped his seminar at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. The seminar resulted in a seven-part “Focus on the Family” film series.
1978
1985
Dr. Dobson in the Oval Office with President Ronald Reagan
1985
1988
The growing organization moved from Arcadia to Pomona, California.
1988
1991
FOTF moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
1991
1995
Dr. Dobson enjoyed having children visit him in his office.
1995
1996
A very happy 60th birthday celebration with a surprise USC (University of Southern California) Trojans theme!
1996
2002
Dr. Dobson presented Shirley with roses at the FOTF 25th Anniversary Event.
2002
2002
It was a great honor for Dr. Dobson to carry the Olympic torch for the XIX Olympic Winter Games.
2002
2004
The Dobson Family recognized by the Crowley-Shanahan Foundation in Dallas, Texas
2004
2008
Dr. Dobson’s 32-year FOTF daily radio show became the first religious program inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
2008
2009
Dr. Dobson speaks at Patrick Henry College for the dedication of the Barbara Hodel Center.
2009
2010
Dr. Dobson began the Family Talk ministry in February 2010
2010
2010
Family Talk building
2010
2010
Dr. Dobson with Family Talk radio broadcast co-hosts, Ryan Dobson and LuAnne Crane
2010
2010
50th wedding anniversary party for the Dobsons!
2010
2011
Dr. Dobson and staff with the Family Talk bus
2011
2012
Dr. and Mrs. Dobson at the filming of the "Building a Family Legacy" video series
2012
2014
Dr. Dobson speaking at the National March for Life in Washington, D.C.
2014
2015
Dr. Franklin Graham joins Dr. Dobson at a Family Talk event.
2015
2016
Dr. Dobson speaking at Liberty University’s Convocation
2016
2017
Jim and Shirley Dobson with President Donald J. Trump
2017
2019
Dr. Dobson in the Family Talk studio
2019
2020
Jim and Shirley Dobson celebrate 60 years of marriage.
2020
2023
Jim Dobson at 87 years young!
2023