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.

You may also leave your tribute by calling 844-823-2669.

Recent Tributes

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

Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your wisdom and courage.

Catherine

Dr. Doson’s radio program has impacted my husband & me since we got married more than 30 years ago, and I immigrated to the U.S.A. from Taiwan. The impact has been felt well beyond wherever I lived, even by a lot of families and friends in my home country, 💕 even though many in my family and a lot of my friends in Taiwan haven’t become Christians (Christians make up about 6% of the population). Writing this tribute has started my grieving process with the tears rolling down my face. May our victorious Lord reach out to even more counties. 🙏 I pray that this tribute could comfort Dr. Dobson’s close family and friends. God bless.

Kelley

Thank God for you and your obedience in following His guidance in creating Focus on the Family. As a former Christian Radio Broadcaster, your shows and spots were encouragements to young people to not submit to cultural values that did not speak for God and His Word. Very grateful. May God comfort your family’s hearts.

Maria

Thank you for helping us raise our children. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Lori

I was saddened to hear that the voice that encouraged us to fight the good fight of faith was gone from this earth. We have 1 son. I married late in life, so I put all my effort into forming our child into something amazing, with every moment focused on bringing up our son in the way of the Lord. Dare to Discipline and Bringing up Boys are sitting on my headboard. Dr. Dobson encouraged me through his books as well as radio. I also bought Bringing up Girls for when the time comes that our son may marry and may have a daughter. Oh, I can’t forget The Strong-Willed Child. I always told Joshua that Dr. Dobson knew him personally because he wrote a book about him. Ha! Buy the books, my friends. I put faith into practice because of Dr. Dobson, teaching our son exciting hands-on fun Bible lessons when he was young, because boys learn differently. When he got older, I used every moment to be a lesson that would propel him to love God and live for Him. It worked! He has more godly wisdom than most 20-year-olds. I cemented his Christian values at a very young age. The public school could not sway him to think that abortion, gay marriage, and values that God doesn’t value were normal. Evolution went in one ear and out the other. I have kept all Dr. Dobson’s books for the next generation. Joshua also has respect for others and knows how to look a person in the eyes. Yes. I received these same teachings from my parents, but Dr. Dobson was my encourager. Our son opens doors for me as a way respect, and it’s what men should do. What are we going to do without you, Dr. Dobson? We’ll just keep trudging for the Lord. I’ve been praying for Shirley and the family. Thank you for making such a huge impact on me and our family. Love you always for doing what God had you do for Him. You were a strong pillar of faith, and you will never be forgotten. 💜

Janet

I read the tributes below, and they sound just like mine. Mrs. Shirley, Ryan and family, and Danae: I used to write notes to Dr. Dobson in my donations, and I always called him “Dear sweet Dr. Dobson.” I felt like I knew him. Not only did he help us raise our kids, he “introduced” us to so many wonderful people on his radio programs, and I began to follow them as well. Dennis Swanberg was one precious saint I learned about from Dr. Dobson. How he loved you all. The world surely is a better place because God created him. I loved knowing about his parents, and I can see why he became the precious man of God that he is (in present terms, because he is alive in Heaven and whole and complete). Also, I see for you children that your parents’ godly upbringing is evidenced in how they raised you, how you will do the same for young ones you are responsible for, whether in your children or the young people who look up to you. Dear sweet, beautiful Mrs. Shirley, thank you for being a godly wife and taking care of Dr. Dobson and loving him. I love you all.

Pam

Even though we never met, I felt like I knew Dr. Dobson. He was an integral part of my life as I raised my four children. I listened to Focus on the Family every day. I’ve read so many of his books, my favorites probably being Bringing Up Girls and Bringing Up Boys. He was a prophetic voice in his fictional work as well. I’m so thankful for his life and the wisdom he imparted to so many. What a gift he was, especially to me in my early days of mothering. I was always so thankful for his courage and standing for the truth, no matter what. I can hear his voice as he’d get fired up about an issue. I’ve dreaded his death for many years, wondering what will the world do without Dr. Dobson? God is faithful and will raise up more faithful men to carry the torch. I know because I’m raising two such young men. We mourn with his family, but not as those who have no hope. I love the thought that one day I will meet Dr. Dobson in heaven. Until then . . .

Tiffany

Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your wisdom over so many years. We have listened to your programs ever since we can remember, and we have read your books. You made your great and deep beliefs so clear and plain, whether of daily life or of a spiritual nature; most times both intertwined! The Lord brought you along in a wonderful way to the benefit of so many! We are so grateful that we had you in our lives for so many years. Now you are with your Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, walking the streets of gold. We will see you there!

Jill

I sent a tribute yesterday but also wanted to add I loved that Dr. Dobson worked with many different faith denominations. A beautiful soul.

Kelly

Dr. James Dobson has been a spiritual father to me since the early 1980s, when our children were just toddlers. I first discovered Focus on the Family on our St. Louis Christian radio station, and it quickly became a cherished part of my daily routine. Every weekday morning from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., I would listen to Dr. Dobson while getting our children ready for school and preparing breakfast. That simple habit became a powerful influence in my life—and to this day, I still listen. I am deeply grateful to say that all four of our grown children are strong believers in Jesus Christ. Each is married to a godly spouse, and together they are raising our 14 grandchildren to walk in the same faith that was planted in their hearts. Dr. Dobson played a significant role in shaping the way we raised our children. His wisdom offered us a better path than the parenting models we had known from our own upbringings. Through his teaching, I found the strength and courage to tune out the noise of the culture and instead raise our family to follow Jesus. The legacy Dr. Dobson helped build in our family will continue for generations . . . our children, their children, and beyond. His impact on my life is immeasurable. Yesterday morning, I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Dobson’s passing into eternal life. Yet my heart is full of joy knowing the remarkable legacy he leaves behind, one that has touched millions of lives around the world. How fitting that the words he wrote over 40 years ago still echo his life’s deepest passion: leading people to Christ and upholding the sacred value of family, never the fleeting allure of money or material things. Even in his final moments, he remained faithful to what mattered most. Surely he has heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I know I can look forward to meeting you, Dr. Dobson, my spiritual “father,” when God calls me to my final “Home” one day . . . and I’m nearing that time, as I’m 71 years old and know the end of my life on this earth is shorter now. Thank you, Shirley Dobson, and your entire family for the sacrifices you made to support your husband and father to carry out God’s mission and calling on his life. Your lives and ministry will continue to shape and bless generations to come.

Shelley

I felt such sorrow upon hearing the news of my mentor, well respected teacher, and even a friend (by radio) leaving this world yesterday. He spoke truth and encouragement to me 5 days a week and truly taught me how to parent. I think I’ve read every book and bought many for others also. I had a drawer in my buffet full of his program’s cassettes. I felt like I truly knew him personally. He shared his real life with so many of us. We visited twice after the ministry moved to Colorado Springs and attended the 25th anniversary celebration. My kids listened to Odyssey and read the children’s magazines every month. My 9 grandkids listen to cds of Odyssey at my house now. We had all the McGee and Me movies and Adventures in Odyssey videos. I guess you’d tell from this we absolutely lived on the advice and entertainment and learning this dear, dear man was behind. I could go on some more. I loved him. I feel a big loss in this world. I’m so happy he’s in the eternal joy Jesus promised him and with his dear mother and dad again. Shirley, Danae and Ryan…thank you for supporting this man’s calling. You have only a small idea of what he meant to so many of us. God bless and comfort you all in this huge loss.

Jan

Dr. Dobson came on my radio when I was newly married in 1989. His publications gave me much hope, wisdom, knowledge, encouragement, and direction as I swam upstream against the culture to steward my family according to biblical principles and truths. The Lord greatly used Dr. Dobson to make me a better wife, mom, & follower of Jesus Christ. Though I never got to thank him on this side of Heaven, I know I will on the other. Until then, I will sorely miss this great light on the earth. Good and faithful servant, enjoy basking in the glorious presence of our Risen King, Jesus Christ!

Linda

I’m so saddened right now hearing about the passing of Dr. Dobson. I have listened to Focus on the Family for over 30 years. I have grown to love and admire him and his work with families all over the world. I also purchased and kept some of his books (When God Doesn’t Make Sense and The Strong-Willed Child). You have helped carry me through many dark days. Thank you for your faithfulness to our God and to us, your brothers and sisters in Christ. I feel as though I have lost a good friend and mentor. I will forever love you.

Ruthie

I can’t recall when I actually began listening to Dr. James Dobson on the radio which helped me tremendously raising my children and in my marriage. Dr. Dobson gave practical solutions and truths that was Bible-based and was applicable to use and understand based on where I was in my life. I always looked forward to hearing him on the radio and couldn’t wait to hear what the next topic would be about. Dr. James Dobson will be greatly missed on this side, but heaven has truly gained an amazing and remarkable God-fearing man who loved God, family, and people.

Shemell

How glad I am that I found your radio program back in the late 1970s. I’ve been a faithful listener throughout your radio career. It guided me in the early days of my marriage, the rearing of our two boys, my days as a preschool teacher and throughout my life. I’m so glad you “fought the good fight” when times got tough. God bless you and Shirley.

Lynn

Dr. Dobson has a impact on my life since I started listening to him on the radio back in the late 80s. I was a young married mom with 4 children, I didn’t have the parents to teach me what Christian values were and how to raise a family, as I come from a divorced family at 12 years old. Married at 16 years old, I had no idea what to do as a wife or mother. Dobson’s radio program helped me understand the importance of family & God. As a result all my children got saved, graduated from high school, also college. I had a time when I was struggling with my marriage, didn’t know what to do, I called Focus on the Family and they sent someone to my door step to talk to me, I live in a rural marriage, I don’t know how they were able to do that, but I was so grateful, and amazed someone cared enough to send them to me. Thank you Dr. Dobson for your ministry, your heart for God’s people. Been married now to same man for 50 years. Dr. Dobson was someone like no other. Sincerely thank you.

Lyla

I thank Dr. Dobson for helping me raise my children. I had moved away from my parents when my first child was an infant (35 years ago) and his books helped me learn from God’s Word what was required for discipline. I really appreciated his help in his books and his radio show, since my own father was raised in an abusive household and really was very lackadaisical about discipline. Now my other siblings have been harmed by not having direction in life. I remember an example he gave of putting his complaining kids out on the enclosed porch when it was snowing outside, to help them realize how good they had it. My children don’t realize how lucky they are to have had me being influenced by Shirley & James Dobson. Thank you so much! I look forward to meeting you in Heaven one day.

Shirley

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