Tributes

We invite you to celebrate the life of Dr. James C. Dobson by sharing your thoughts and memories here.

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This page will display the words of people from around the world who have been impacted by the life and ministry of Dr. James Dobson.

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Recent Tributes

There are not enough words to express my appreciation for Dr. James Dobson and his ministry. His books, Focus on the Family magazines, and radio messages provided much-needed guidance when I was raising my children. We loved the age-appropriate movies and magazines too. Since the inception of the radio programs and podcasts of Family Talk, I continue to learn and value the information from Dr. Dobson‘s messages and interviews, and those of his associates, even during these grandparenting years. My deepest appreciation, prayers, and condolences to Shirley and family. Dr. Dobson will be sorely missed. May God continue to bless the ministry of Family Talk.

JANET E

There is so much I could say about James Dobson, and how his broadcast helped me get through life. I feel such a loss at his departure to heaven, yet oh what a celebration there must have been when that precious man was welcomed into the arms of Jesus! After getting married at 24, my husband and I accepted the Lord on the same day. This, of course, was God‘s plan, because a couple months later I found out I was pregnant with our first child. I had a wonderful neighbor down the road who was also a young Christian. She introduced me to Focus on the Family with James Dobson. At 10 o’clock every morning, I sat in front of the radio and listened to Focus as Dr. Dobson helped me learn to be a mom, a wife and, most of all, a Christian. Our new baby was born with a severe birth defect. We spent more days than I can count in the hospital, me taking the day shift, my husband taking the nights. I don’t believe I would’ve made it through those years without the steady voice of Dr. Dobson, every day, reassuring me that, indeed, I would get through this with the help of God! The years to follow were filled with advice passed along to me and my husband through the wise words of James Dobson. I can honestly say he taught us to be more like Christ every day. Dr. Dobson was a blessing to so many people; he will be greatly missed! I’m looking forward to meeting him in heaven one day! Peg

Peggy

We will miss wonderful conservative points of life lessons!

La Donna

Thanks for Dr. Dobson. His timeless insights continue to guide us today not only in parenting advice but in public policy. When God Doesn’t Make Sense was/is probably the most helpful to me today. Thank you, Mark

Mark

I remember being a young mother, overwhelmed and tired from swimming against the cultural current. It was the early 1980s, and the mantra was that staying at home to raise your children was oppressive or ignorant or both. I can still hear Dr. Dobson‘s voice on that radio program saying, “Moms, you are doing THE most important job in the universe.” I knew it was true, and it gave me a renewed passion to dedicate every day to raising my blessings for God’s glory. I have shared his words with countless “moms in the trenches” over the decades. Only eternity will reveal the impact of each mother’s years of self-sacrifice. Motherhood is a high calling. I never doubted it, but having Dr. Dobson affirm it was life-giving encouragement. Now, another generation is stepping up to embrace this holy assignment, and I am forever grateful!

Deb

I began listening to Dr. Dobson on the radio in the ’80s when he was with FOF. I, too, at that time, started “carrying the cross” for life and have never stopped. How could I not? I was still in those early days thinking about marriage, so listening to him and his advice to couples, families, and singles resonated with me because I realized that’s the type of marriage I would want, and how I would like to raise my children. I did not marry; however, all that wisdom and encouragement to trust Scripture stayed with me in all my relationships and carrying and mentoring the younger generation. I’ve volunteered for a pregnancy resource center ever since. I love children and will never stop praying for them because of their vulnerability in this world. But, especially, I tell them about Jesus being the best they could ever have as a friend and God as Father! Thank you to Dr. Dobson for his heart for families, children, couples, and for us singles! I really look forward to meeting him in Heaven!

Liz

The Lord has used the wisdom of Dr. James Dobson to help guide me into adulthood, beginning when I was a college student decades ago. I was reading one of his books. I thought, this is the philosophy with which I agree! I was an Elementary Education major. His writings were helpful as I began teaching and later as I became a wife and mother. Now, as the Lord has given me opportunities to help teach some of our grandchildren, my words of appreciation are far overdue. My prayers and deep appreciation are with Shirley and their beautiful family. May the LORD bless you all and comfort you greatly every day. You will be together again, and forever, because of Jesus Christ.

Sharon

I want to thank Dr.Dobson for his radio talk show many years ago when I was a preschool teacher. He had such a wonderful and thorough understanding of the young child that it became a ministry to me in my job with his many insights on how to work with my students. I also had books of his that my students’ parents could check out or that I would recommend for parents to check out to read. What a wonderfully marvelous ministry Dr.Dobson had in my life on behalf of all those young lives he understood and loved so well! Thank you, again, Dr.Dobson!

Sheryl

Words are insufficient. Dr. Dobson has been a stable source of wisdom and love as long as I can remember. His radio broadcasts shone light into my troubled childhood and teen years. My mom always listened to him and tried to apply his teaching in the midst of abuse, poverty, divorce, and blended family struggles. As a young adult, the broadcasts taught me how to be a stronger Christian and then led me to the FOTF Institute in the summer of 2003. This opportunity to be steeped in Dr. Dobson’s teaching and Christian worldview has colored my entire life since – with marriage, work, parenting, family, and societal involvement. Prior to this, I trusted no one and hadn’t a clue as to how and why to live life for Christ. Dr. Dobson’s vision, and the talented people he placed around him or hosted in broadcasts, showed me how to live a life for God and my family, to heal from the bondage and lies I grew up with, and so much more. He was the father/grandfather I always knew I could trust and call (e.g., the FOTF hotline) when I had a question or a friend needed guidance. His passing hurts greatly, but my praise to God is so great! God loved me through him, and he is blessing my family, life, and community daily through his books, broadcasts, and example. Thank you, Shirley, Ryan, and Danae, for your sacrifices in allowing him to be what God intended for so many others. Big hugs and so much gratitude!

Candi

Dr. Dobson was an inspiration to our family, always giving sound biblical advice for raising a family. His calm spirit was very welcome over the years during tough times in our country. He will be missed.

Doris

I found and heard Dr. Dobson’s radio broadcast over Moody Radio in the late 1970s. Through his radio messages and his many books, I learned how to be a godly wife and mother when I was a new believer in the Lord. I still have many CDs that I accumulated during those years of listening to his broadcast. I enjoyed the many stories he shared about his young years growing up in the Dobson home, and I still recall the funny story of how his mom got his attention with her undergarment. 🙂 If it wasn’t for Dr. Dobson, I could not have made it through the many difficult challenges I faced in life. I was a committed Focus on the Family listener. Dr. Dobson was a godly man who fought hard for God’s values to be in the home and in our country. I learned so much from him, and I, like many, many others, will miss this godly man and his ministry. I take comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior now. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your faithfulness to serve our Lord and Savior with your heart, soul, and might. I will pray for his dear wife Shirley, his children, and for his ministry to go forward. Sincerely, Camille Arnett

Camille

I’m so sad to hear that such a great person has gone on to be with God – Dr. James Dobson. His radio broadcast was something that I listened to all the time and took to heart. I’ve purchased many of his books for myself and for friends that I thought could really use his encouragement and wisdom. His family was very blessed to have him in their lives. God bless.

Anna

We’ll miss Dr. James Dobson! Prayers for the family! Sincerely, Ian Hayden

Ian

Dr. James Dobson has been my favorite American since I was a teenager. My mom regularly listened to his broadcasts, so when she picked me up from wherever I was, Dr. Dobson was usually the one speaking to me as we drove home. I pretended not to be listening, but, of course, I was. Thus, he shaped what I believed – my thoughts and the woman I became. I went through major trials early on, losing my brother unexpectedly at the age of 21 when I was a freshman at Wheaton College, the last day of Christmas break, as well as learning I had a brain tumor 5 years after my brother died, which was a month after getting married. All of us are able to think of Dr. Dobson’s many broadcasts which enabled us to endure through our major crises. How thankful I am for having been prepared with so much Christian advice and teachings as a result of being one of Dr. James Dobson’s avid listeners! Amazingly, after being blessed with an amazing surgeon and the Lord enabling me to be completely healed, God went on to bless me with 10 biological children (no twins) after my major health prognosis. Today, my children range from 27 to 7. I have picked up so many incredible ideas on how to parent and deal with specific situations due to Dr. Dobson being a continual part of my life over the past 40 years. Thank you, Dr. Dobson! I have listened to so many of his broadcasts and read the majority of his books. My absolute favorite broadcasts are in a special shoe box, and they are all on tapes! (I have other favorites, too, but now I am able to re-listen to them via the internet on Family Talk.) I have listened and re-listened to these tapes so many times, and, each time I do, I still get a great deal out of them! In June of this year, my two oldest sons had a major gymnastics competition at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Of course, I was beyond excited to go as a result of the meet being held where Dr. Dobson’s two family ministries are located, and where my favorite American lived. I took my 5 youngest (the two gymnasts had to practice) to Focus on the Family, where I bought something for each of my children, and we thoroughly enjoyed Odyssey (as it has also been a huge part of all of my children’s lives) – their $5 sundae was absolutely amazing, as was every room we entered! Next, we located Dr. Dobson’s Family Talk. To my astonishment, I was invited in, greeted so warmly, and treated kinder than I have ever been by any institution. Two staff members asked me questions about me and my family. It truly was a huge difference from any and all companies I have ever witnessed. Where has anyone treated me like this before? I felt like I was important to them and they cared about me, when they had just met me, a total stranger. I was totally welcomed wholeheartedly by Dr. Dobson’s Family Talk staff, and treated as if I was a significant human being! I cannot tell you enough how their love and kindness imprinted my heart – Dr. Dobson’s Family Talk is completely the real deal, and Jesus is clearly shining in their everyday lives! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the real Jesus for all to see. After this, I attempted to bring Dr. and Mrs. Dobson flowers, an American flag balloon, and cards my children made them in gratitude for what they have done for our lives. While my 7 kids and I were in our 15-passenger van, there was Dr. Dobson’s son outside! We greeted him with a big, “Hello! We’re major fans of your parents!” Of course, he was beyond kind to us as well. His wife and daughter were with him, and they allowed us to take pictures with them! I kept thinking, “I must be dreaming!” To be treated so warmly by Dr. Dobson’s very own son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter! Every part of our experience with everything that dealt with Dr. Dobson was not normal in today’s society! Why am I telling you all of this? Because Dr. Dobson, along with all of his ministries and family, are the real deal! They live what they preach! Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Dobson! Look at how you display Christ’s love and teaching to the many millions of people who have listened to you and read your books over many, many years. We are so very grateful for all you have done for us, our nation, and our world!

Erin

Thank you for speaking boldly for families and family matters. You have blessed my life by being a godly man in that your dedication, instruction, and faithfulness to God were evident. Praise God for your instruction in righteousness. Your voice conveyed the love of Christ Jesus. I listened to you like my spiritual parent and learned much. I will truly miss you. However, I PRAISE GOD for you being home with our Savior. What great counsel you have given! Thank you, Focus on the Family and, mostly, Shirley and family.

Esperanza

My heart goes out to you with thanksgiving for all the years of dedication. Many times I was blessed to learn, receive correct Bible teaching, wisdom, instruction. Dr. James Dobson was an excellent, godly man. His voice was like a spiritual dad, whom I loved. Praise God for his life and ministry.

Esperanza

I first read “Dare to Discipline” in 1975 when I was only 17 years old. In my life, I can say that no one, other than my parents, has better shaped my thinking than Dr. Dobson. He certainly respected the advances of research and academic thought, yet I appreciate that Dr. Dobson understood that our finite minds cannot comprehend the ways of our infinite God. What we view as wisdom is foolishness when it conflicts with the wisdom handed to us from our transcendent God. Dr. Dobson understood that God’s truth is ultimate truth. It cares for and nurtures our hearts and minds. We are tempted to foolishly turn to our own feeble ideas built on sand. Dr. Dobson called us to stand for the truth of Jesus Christ and to share that truth in love toward the world. I thank God for His grace in my life which flowed through Dr. James Dobson. I appreciate Dr. Dobson being willing to be the vessel through which God has shown His grace to me.

Charlie

Clubhouse Jr. has been part of the reading of two generations of our family. In its first year, 1998, the November issue even included art by Ka Yee Chau, the late sister of our father/grandfather. It is in an ancient Chinese story that the editors wisely used to teach a verse from Ecclesiastes. Alleluia for Dr. Dobson’s impact on our family!

Lynda

When I first heard the news that Dr. Dobson had gone home to Heaven, my first thought was that it was difficult to imagine a world without him. I have had the privilege of listening to him on our local radio stations for decades. I felt, as so many others have, the loss of a friend and father figure. And yet, to think about the glory of what he is experiencing now with our Lord and Savior and also all the saints and angels there is a wonderful reminder that the best is yet to be for all believers. I am so thankful for his life and ministry, and we all know that it continues even though he has gone on ahead of us. I’m thankful also for Shirley and Danae and Ryan and family and for their ministries also. What a blessing this family has been to so many. I pray that they will sense the Lord’s presence and comfort in a wonderful way in the coming days. Prayers also for everyone at Family Talk during this time.

Kim

I have grown up listening to Dr. Dobson. I first learned of him when I lived in Germany with my husband, who was in the military, and we were young parents to a little girl who was very strong-willed. I heard a broadcast when Dr. Dobson spoke of a strong willed-child, and since then I have been following him, listening to him throughout my marriage and raising my kids on his wisdom. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for mentoring me as I grew up to be a follower of Christ.

Christine