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

My heart goes out to his family. Prayers for all of you for comfort, peace, and strength. I know Dr. Dobson is at peace, happy and enjoying heaven; it’s those of us left behind that are feeling his absence. My life has been filled with dysfunctional relationships and lots of loss. His words were and still are a guide and comfort. I listened to his broadcasts on Focus on the Family and Family Talk. I have many of his books and have cherished and used the wisdom that he shared. There’s so much more I could say, but I know most people have already said it. I feel like another pillar of foundational strength for our country has been removed, but I thank God for the media that keep these strong pillars of wisdom to be still viewed and heard by all those needing their precious direction.

Lolita

Grateful for the ministry of a good Christian man who gave himself to a cause greater than himself – us. My wife and I began parenting near the start of his ministry. The Scriptures were our spiritual guide, but Dr. Dobson’s radio program and books were our primary family guide, period. His ministry will live on in all of us to whom he ministered.

Phil

I have listened to Dr. Dobson for well over 35 years. His no-nonsense approach to life as a Christian has helped me tremendously. About 33 years ago, our son was born with a birth defect. Our family had moved into my father-in-law’s home, 45 miles away from our hometown, with no income. My son had several surgeries over the year. Several other things were going on that year that piled on top of our situation. I contacted Focus on the Family for prayer support. I was completely surprised when I received a phone call from Focus on the Family – it might as well have been Dr. Dobson who called me. Materials were sent to us. We felt the comfort of the praying body of Christ. I just want to thank Dr. Dobson for his care for the family. Our hearts go out to Shirley, Ryan, and Danae. I’m praying for you all. God bless you!

Maxine

Dr Dobson was very committed to the call of spreading the truth. He never wavered. As times changed and society became darker and more wicked, he stood firm on issues like protection of the unborn, celebration of nuclear, traditional families, encouraging biblical morality in relationships, biological truths, speaking to the spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs of boys and girls, the rot and destructive force of pornography, and so much more. He didn’t bend to or compromise with the evil in the world and never allowed himself to be bullied or manipulated. Everything he said and stood for was based on biblical truths and trust in Jesus Christ. Regardless of what his critics may think of his passing, I have no doubt that he has heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” My prayers are with his dear wife, Shirley, and his children. They know that he is safely and peacefully with the Father, but the sadness of loss is also real. I pray that the God of all comfort will comfort them during this time.

Kira

I’ll forever be thankful to Dr. Dobson for choosing to make it his life mission to draw families closer to the LORD. Years ago, I was a floundering, newly-made-single mother whose husband had just left me, our 4-year-old little boy, and infant daughter after we had just moved to a new town with no family nearby. Tuning in to listen to Dr. Dobson’s radio program each morning as I drove my son to school was a lifeline. Listening always made me feel like I was receiving a biblical counseling session on parenting and getting some great life advice from the wise grandfather I never had. I’ve never stopped listening all these years, and I’ve read many of his books as well. Never once did his advice veer from the Bible. He was an honorable, trustworthy man, and I hope his legacy never fades and that his ministry continues to touch lives.

Stephanie

Dr. Dobson was one of the main influences in my life after I became a Christian in 1978. His books, radio programs, and his voice greatly helped my husband and me in raising our four children. I cannot think of anyone with more integrity and faithfulness to Jesus than him. I look forward to meeting and spending time with him in heaven. May You, Jesus, draw especially close to his family now and in the days to come. Heaven is greater and earth is less at his passing.

Jan

I had a very confusing home growing up. I had Catholic, Mormon, and Wiccan around me while I was attending Mormon churches. I walked away from all of it for about a decade and searched for something else. I even tried New Age thought. Then a co-worker started telling me the gospel, and I listened to Dr. Dobson. I am not the type that will believe something because I’m told it, and I question everything; yeah, I’m a joy to have in class (ha-ha). Anyhow, I heard Dr. Dobson talking about the tomb being empty and how women were the first to see it and tell everyone – and how, if you were going to make up a story, one of the apostles should have been the first. Women couldn’t preach, teach, or even write, so placing the whole belief of Christianity on two women wouldn’t make sense. I agreed. I gave my life to Christ after that radio program I was listening to at work. Years later, I emailed Dr. Dobson, and he was so kind and so humble when I told him this experience. I’m so happy that he is finally dancing with Jesus. I pray for those who are left to mourn as they await their reunion.

Cassandra

I felt such a sadness and loss when I heard that Dr. James Dobson had passed away. Heaven won such a prize in gaining this man. And, we suffer such a loss here. Dr. Dobson gave such sound wisdom to Christian parents. He always valued marriage and the sanctity of life. My mom read his books, listened to him on the radio, and considered him a man of wisdom. He was a resource for family, life, and marriage. He rallied us all to fight the good fight, leading by example. I remember being an impressionable teenager in the late 1990s, when I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Dobson speak at our church in Nashville during a family rally. And, in 2010, I read his Bringing Up Boys as I rocked and nursed my newborn baby. I listened to him on the radio, trying to soak up all I could while raising my children. Dr. Dobson, thank you for giving so much to my family. Through your ministry, you have encouraged families, parents, and, in my family, generations. You leave a legacy that points to Jesus. You were his hands and feet for many years. Thank you to the Dobson family, for the sacrifices you made throughout the years, and for sharing Dr. Dobson with us. We are praying that you feel the comfort and peace that only God gives. I hope you find joy in the memories and the beautiful legacy that Dr. James Dobson left behind.

Tiffany

Early on, when I started my family in the Philippines in 2006, the books and broadcasts of Dr. James Dobson, founded on God’s Word, have been a constant inspiration in guiding my family, especially having come from a difficult and challenging home. We will miss you, Dr. James Dobson. At the same time, you are now home in Heaven with our dear Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your legacy and your inspiring life.

Julito Jr

I first learned of Dr. Dobson when I attended his 7-part teaching on raising children (I’ve forgotten the actual name of the teaching). But I saw it on a reel-to-reel film at a church. My eldest son (now 44 years old) was an infant at the time, and I had absolutely NO clue how to parent him. I vividly remember watching Dr. Dobson draw a line on a chalkboard with one end labeled “anger” and the other end labeled “action.” Dr. Dobson also used “little Johnny” as an example of not picking up his coat he left on the floor the first time he was asked to do so. Dr. Dobson explained how anger and action eventually meet, and the mistake was believing that anger motivated the child to obey, when really it was the action. And he taught how to have the child obey the first time simply by taking action without anger at that point. I cannot tell you enough how impactful this teaching was in my life. I believe it saved my life and my kids as well. Years later, my kids were brought up listening to Adventures in Odyssey on cassette tapes (I still have them!). Then came CDs, and every family car trip we listened to them. Now my granddaughter listens through the app. My adult kids still listen to them also with their kids on family car trips. In fact, my stepson (now age 39) received Jesus when he was about age 9 after listening to the episode where Connie got saved! I tried to find that 7-part series Dr. Dobson taught way back when but, much to my dismay, never could. I have “taught“ this over the years to many of my friends who were parents, and even now to those becoming parents. I will be so glad to be able to see Dr. Dobson in heaven, and let him know firsthand how he impacted my life and left a legacy in my family. So, if you’re reading this and actually know how I can obtain that series he taught, PLEASE let me know. Thank you for allowing me to share this memory.

Kathleen

Eighty-nine years young, indeed! I would just like to thank the Lord for the life of this man and for what he’s done. I find it surprising Focus on the Family was started so long ago. The need has only increased exponentially for such a voice. I loved Adventures in Odyssey, and now, the wonderful programs FOTF offers. Many these days think of traditional families as outdated and abusive, but Focus on the Family shows it is quite the opposite. Grounded in God’s Word and in truth, full of such practical advice, if this were not God’s work, I would be heartbroken that FOTF would soon be no more. But the ministry is in good hands – God’s hands. May He comfort Dr. James Dobson’s family and friends and continue to bless this ministry.

Zion

Dr. Dobson was the most influential person in my life. In 1978, I emigrated from East Europe in my early 20s, and my family was back home behind the “Iron Curtain.” I found Dr. Dobson’s program on the radio around 1990, and I never stopped listening to and following him. His wisdom guided me in raising two adopted children, working full-time and keeping my marriage and family together. I grew in my faith, thanks to Dr. Dobson’s deep faith that he proclaimed unapologetically. I thank God for raising this godly man to spread the love of Jesus Christ and protect the family. I will miss hearing Dr. Dobson, but he will live in my heart. With love and thanks.

Barbara

Dr. James Dobson is a mentor to me. I have matured as a man, father, and follower of Jesus. I started listening before I got married and now listen with my children. What a great man! I’m personally heartbroken, so my prayers for the family.

Jason

Oh, my heart! There are simply no words to convey the immense gratitude that my husband and I carry in our hearts for the incredible gift Dr. Dobson has been in our lives as we have raised our children in a strong Christian home. Our hearts, though just so heavy with sadness at his passing, rejoice with him, knowing he is home in Heaven at last with the Lord he loved so much! Through the years, he brought us so much wisdom, strength, confidence, and strong resolve with every radio broadcast, and through his many books, he solidified strong Christian values and principles for us by which to raise our children. Also, his deep passion for the Sanctity of Human Life with the unborn, that knew no bounds, meant so much to us! Many times when traveling out West, in and out of Colorado Springs, we would always stop at the Focus on the Family campus, to go to the bookstore and look around the campus, and we would just feel so close to Dr. Dobson as we were there, feeling his spirit everywhere! Then, as we would depart, the majestic beauty of Pike’s Peak would leave us in awe of the glorious beauty of God’s creation, and our hearts would again be filled with gratitude and joy . . . refreshed and strengthened in that beautiful place! During one of those trips, we were returning home to Minnesota from Arizona several years ago, on a family vacation when our kids were younger. We tuned in to a Christian radio station as we were approaching Colorado Springs. Suddenly, we heard that the entire staff of Focus on the Family was all gathered together for a surprise for Dr. Dobson. They were presenting him with an absolutely magnificent bronze statue of his father, kneeling down on one knee, holding his Bible, with the soles of his shoes showing holes in them, which was due to all the millions of prayers he lifted to the Lord every single day! Dr. Dobson had talked about the soles of his father’s shoes many times on his radio programs, and we had to see this! So we quickly drove over to the campus and stood in the back row as they presented Dr. Dobson with that glorious statue. He was just speechless! At the end of the program, we made our way quickly down to the stage where he was standing, talking with people. I made my way up to him and begged him to stand close to our family for a family picture. He agreed, but he said it was the last picture he could pose for, as he was leaving for lunch. How lucky we were to have that picture of our family with Dr. Dobson standing there with us! It was truly like he was a member of our family for so many years! Over twenty-three years have passed since that memorable day. But that picture of Dr. Dobson still hangs in a special place in our home, as he has been, in a sense, a “spiritual father” to all of us in our family. Through his millions of words of wisdom and biblical strength, he has made an incredible impact in the lives of each of us, and he has left precious imprints on all our hearts forever! Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for the priceless impact you had on our family, and the lives of so many millions of people around the world! We have loved you so much, and we know you will hear the words of the Lord welcoming you with open arms, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” We look forward to that joyful day when we will all meet you in Heaven where there will be light and eternal life forevermore! We lift our hearts and prayers up for Shirley, Ryan, Danae, and your entire family, and we thank all of you for sharing him with the world! Our love and thanks to all of you! ❤️

Debbie

Somewhere back in the early-to-mid 90s, I traveled to Colorado Springs with my family for 6 weeks in the winter. I was the music director for a Christmas show at The Broadmoor Hotel. The first year, I started a prayer group backstage before the show with 3 of us. In a few years, it grew to include the entire band and cast (25 or 30). One of those years, Dr. Dobson came to the show. After the show, I was in the basement of the theater, changing out of my tux, and someone came and said that there was a man named Jim Dobson who wanted to meet me! My wife and I were homeschooling our son, and Dr. Dobson was VERY high on our radar. I got my tux back on very fast and went upstairs to meet one of my heroes. He was such a gracious, humble man. He simply wanted to thank us for leaving Christ in our Christmas show and to tell me that he was bringing his wife and several from his staff back in a week or so. I asked if he and Shirley would join us for prayer backstage when he came back, which he did. He then invited my wife, my son, and me to come to Focus on the Family’s staff Christmas celebration during the day later that month. We did, and he and Shirley treated us so kindly! He had already made a huge impact on my family and me, but meeting him was a true gift for all of us . . . one of the times that I felt like I was on someone else’s itinerary. God be with Shirley, Ryan, Danae, and all those he left behind. His legacy lives on. Glory to God!

Jeff

Dr. Dobson’s books and radio shows have been a staple in our home. Words cannot express my gratitude for his obedience to the Lord . . . for Shirley’s, too, as I know a supportive prayerful spouse is key. Since I cannot express my thankfulness to Dr. Dobson, as we know he is in his forever home in Heaven with our Lord, I would like to tell his family that he will be deeply missed and appreciated by people all over the world. Praying for you all as you process your grief. I knew this time would come, but I am still shocked and so very sad.

Jennifer

I didn’t have a godly dad. By listening daily for years, as I was raising and homeschooling our 6 children, I felt Doctor Dobson became my spiritual dad. I was abandoned in a bathroom in the NYC subway at 7 days old, placed in a foundling home, then abused in 2 foster homes before being adopted at age one. My adoptive parents had serious emotional issues, plus gambling. They loved me the best they could, but I didn’t have a clue how to raise healthy, godly children until I learned from Doctor Dobson. My primary goal became to see them accept Jesus as their Savior. My husband of 48 years was not a believer until age 72, so I often felt alone in the parenting role. Jim Dobson led the way, taught me, and provided counseling through Focus when I needed it. I am 76 now, and look forward to thanking him in heaven someday. My prayers are with Shirley and the family. Our son David was killed 3 years ago, so I am familiar with grief. I look forward to David meeting Dr. Dobson in heaven. Thank you, Dad.

Meg

I thank God for the life of Dr. Dobson – for giving him wisdom in sharing with us how to build a healthy marriage and family in Christ. Also for giving him strength and bravery to stand and fight for the truth. He has blessed my family and continues to do so. To Mrs. Dobson and your two children, may the Lord strengthen and comfort you all. Sending you warm hugs from Winchester, Virginia..

Douglas and Yani

My childhood was full of abuse and neglect, but I came to know the Lord at 21. Dr. Dobson shaped my life through his books and daily radio programs. I homeschooled 3 children because of his admonition. He saved my marriage through a program on Valentine’s Day that found me at a crossroads. His books taught me that “love must be tough.” I could “dare to discipline,” and God can be trusted even in the darkest of times! He was a legend of our time, and he will be greatly missed! Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord!

Gina

As a young adult, I started listening to Focus on the Family in Wisconsin. I’ve been living on the West Coast for many years. It seems Dr Dobson has always been here. I believe he is one of our country’s national treasures, given to us by the Lord. He has helped shape our country’s children for several generations. I have mailed, recommended, and quoted his books, especially The Strong-Willed Child. I was heartbroken when he left Focus on the Family. True to his commitment to the Lord, he went on to establish Family Talk Radio, for which I am grateful. I will always hear his voice in the background of my mind, mentioning various things, during conversations (similar to hearing my parents’ voices). His passing leaves a tremendous hole . . . I trust the Lord to raise up others. However, no one will truly walk in his shoes. God bless Shirley, Danae, and Ryan and his family. Thank you.

Ellen