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

May God comfort you all. As I raised my children (my daughter is a principal, my son is a pastor) I listened to Focus on the Family driving to and from work. I also listened to Adventures in Odyssey. And I read Dr. Dobson’s books. Reading the Word and listening to Focus day in and day out encouraged me to stand strong on the Word. (I’ve been a single mom since 1984. I’m now 79 years.) What a longtime witness to the nurture of the family. Thank you all.

Nancy

I read many of Dr. Dobson’s books and they were very helpful. One of my friends often described Dr. Dobson’s writing style as one who made you feel as if you were sitting in an armchair next to the fireplace as you read. There were those in the Christian community who disagreed with some of the things Dr. Dobson taught and believed, but Dr. Dobson was not a Pastor. His background was in psychology, not theological studies. I always appreciated the fact that Dr. Dobson held Christian marriage and Christian ethics in high regard. More than any other public figure in the 20th Century, he was a proponent of the family and family structure. I appreciated him because he believed and taught that marriage was for life and he was biblical in that regard. His books and ministry helped hundreds of thousands if not millions of families. I will sincerely miss Dr. Dobson. I am thankful that God raised-up this man to minister to us.

Dilbert

Some 40+ years ago, my mom was divorced and struggling with her teenage kids who were addicted to drugs, skipping school and quite frankly, juvenile delinquents. It was through Dr. Dobson’s Focus on the Family broadcast that my mom found daily encouragement and hope in Jesus to keep fighting for her family. Dr. Dobson’s wisdom and assuring voice was her lifeline! She learned to intercede for her kid’s wellbeing and salvation. Today, I am a walking miracle of those prayers. I am serving Jesus and married to an incredible man doing student ministry together. I personally feel I would not be alive today had my mom not listened to Dr. Dobson. My heart is full of gratitude knowing how many millions of families Dr. Dobson & Shirley touched through the years. What an incredible legacy and now Dr. Dobson is part of the great cloud of witnesses in Heaven. I would imagine he would tell us “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2 Bless you Dr. Dobson and Shirley!

Stephanie

I listened to Dr. Dobson’s radio show for decades, soaking in as much biblical wisdom as I could, as I transitioned from young adult to wife, to mother and step-mother, to professor. I feel as though I know his wife and kids because of their mention as examples from his life. I am grateful for his legacy and his family has my deepest condolences.

Kim

In my younger years I listened to Dr. Dobson on the radio all the time. Once he was talking about a pro-life matters and he ended by encouraging folks to volunteer at a local pregnancy clinic. So I did just that. This was in the 90s when I was living in Los Angeles and started volunteering at the Westside Pregnancy Clinic. Before long I was asked to be on the Board. Next they made me the Board President. I served for 8 years total before moving away. Now the Westside Pregnancy Clinic is Claris Health, maybe 10 times larger than it was before under the leadership of Talitha Phillips. Many, many lives have been saved. Dr. Dobson is a family and pro-life hero to me. I thank God for this faithful servant leader, and his family, and the legacy of Godly leaders that carry on the ministry. God bless him and rest his soul. May he hear those words, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

Jim

Books written by Dr. Dobson and radio shows have taught, encouraged, and sustained me over many, many years. I’m grateful and blessed to have benefited from Dr. Dobson’s insight and advice. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Karen

My heart & prayers go out to Dr. Dobson’s family!!! May you all feel Father God holding you close to His heart & be reminded of He is with you as well as with your husband/dad/granddad all the same time!! What an amazing & rich legacy he left!! He was a bright light for so many of us & always stood for what was right boldly with love spreading the gospel & showing us all how to live the gospel practically in our everyday lives!! He is one of the greatest spiritual giants that impacted my life for close to 50 yrs now!! I am so thankful for his life and ministry that will continue here on earth!! May the Lord continue to bless & keep his precious family!!!

Linda

I purchased a book in the early eighties titled “Love Must Be Tough” that helped me with my growing family, who are now all grown up and gone. We also started listening to Dr. James Dobson was the primary speaker for the Family Life cassette of the month club, a mail-order program that offered his teachings on family and parenting throughout the 1970s and 1980s, of which we still have them. We will miss him dearly.

Charlie and Patricia

My deepest condolences & gratitude to Dr. Dobson’s beloved wife, Shirley, & his family for sharing him with the rest of the world for so many decades. I first became aware of him & Focus on the Family in the late 1970s because a family friend worked for him in Southern California. I watched the screening of his videos, Dare to Discipline, at my Catholic church in the early 1980s & signed up for his monthly newsletters. I remain so impressed with the messages that he spread to parents raising children in a society that doesn’t encourage Christian teachings & values. Those monthly booklets & my church helped guide me in raising my three children & now those messages are being passed onto my grandchildren. Even though I never had the opportunity to see him in person his messages will always resonate with me.

Michelle

So very thankful for Dr. Dobson’s legacy and commitment to the work of Christ. My family has benefited from his teachings and the work of his ministry for over thirty years.

Sarah

I have supported his ministry since the mid 1980s. At that time we had peasant television (3 channels). No Internet, no Google, just good old radio and phone. As a young mom I listened regularly to the broadcasts with Dr. Dobson and received help through the information and encouragement that was shared. At one time, I even phoned and received counseling and direction when I was totally overwhelmed and didn’t know who to call or trust. Direction was provided through a broadcast on ADHD, which our daughter was eventually diagnosed with along with other diagnoses. In fact, I named her Janaye after hearing about his daughter Danae, and I liked the name. To my children’s dismay, I used plugged’n to determine if a movie was appropriate for their viewing. I still use it for myself:)So, I guess it’s some 40 years that I have supported Focus on the Family even though our kids are all grown. I appreciated the faith and values that Dr. Dobson upheld and encouraged not only in the USA, but in Canada and around the world. I am thankful that he was obedient to God’s call and had the foresight not to name the ministry after himself. I pray Focus on the Family will continue to encourage families in faith and life for generations to come.My deepest condolences to Shirley, Danae, Ryan and the extended family.

Lavon

“Well done my good and faithful servant” are certainly the words we want to hear! I have a Christmas card from James and Shirley Dobson on my wall in my room. It is so nice to come into the family of faith with such open arms; to have the wisdom and life experience of those like Dr. Dobson who have gone before me to “scatter the seeds,” the Word of God, to explain and practice expository preaching and to tie the OT to the NT for newer believers like me. Grateful to have the personal experience of seeing a believer like James reading the Word, for me, hearing the Word (on Focus on the Family), and seeing the application of the Word, especially in times like these. Fight the good fight, every moment, where we have put down our spears for plowshares, serving our great God, his Son, Jesus Christ and the promised Holy Spirit, sowing seeds of faith generously and ceaselessly, and watching God grow them into wonderful examples like Dr. James Dobson! Grace and peace to his lovely family.

Michelle

For many years, as a working mom with 3 children, I looked forward to listening to Dr. Dobson while I was getting ready for work each morning. I am thankful for Dr. Dobson helping me grow in my own personal walk with the Lord as well as countless podcasts on parenting and other topics on daily living, as well as the current world arena. All from a biblical perspective! My 3 children are all believers and my son is even a pastor. Even now, just the sound of Dr. Dobson’s voice brings reassuring peace and calmness to me. Thank you Dr. D!!

Dale

I listened to Dr. Dobson on the radio and read his books about raising boys. He helped me tremendously in raising my son who is now 30 years old. God bless his family during their time of grief.

Cindy

What a gift God gave us. God has worked through Dr. James Dobson to teach and love so many. He will never be forgotten. We will miss him. We are so thankful to God for his gift of eternal life. We Pray for Jesus to surround the Dobson family with His love and comfort through this time. I never met you in person Mr. Dobson, but I can’t wait too in The Kingdom of Heaven.

Travis

My deepest condolences to Dr. Dobson’s family and friends. I feel the same way as I did when I found out Chuck Smith went home to be with the Lord. I feel a deep loss. The world was a better place with them in it, paving a way and offering wisdom to the masses. I have been encouraged and up lifted over the years through the broadcast of Focus on the Family. I pray peace over all, as we celebrate his life and gift to the world. Thank you Lord for sharing him with us for as long as you did. Amen.

Joanne

Dr. Dobson made an impact on my life with all of the wisdom and encouragement I learned from him. I was introduced to his show when I was a young wife and mother in my twenties. I would listen to the messages and apply what I learned in my home. My children are now adults who are amazing human beings. Thank you Dr. Dobson I will forever be grateful to you, your work and legacy. God bless and comfort his family and all who loved him. ❤️

Ericka

My sincere condolences to the entire family. “It is well with my soul” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Dr. James Dobson was a candle that lit the hope of many in the dark with parenting, family and spiritual nourishment. I have followed Dr. Dobson from my youth up to date. Now am a father, a Priest with four children and thank God for Dr. James Dobson for being a great inspiration in my life more so standing up for Jesus Christ.

Rev. Edward

Dr. Dobson was a daily, Monday through Friday, part of my life for so many years through the Focus on the Family radio show. I never missed it. Through his many books, he became an even more helpful part of our family’s life as we endeavored to raise our two sons and to have a godly marriage. I even dreaded this day since he was so much a part of my life. With more maturity, though, I came to realize that life has seasons, and every life’s days are numbered. He is now with His precious Savior, completely made whole, and continuously worshiping Him. I pray, now, for Shirley and the great sadness she will have as she misses him, though she knows he is with his Lord and Savior.

Jean

Dr. James Dobson became a household name in our home. If Dr. Dobson said so, it needed to be done! Kids and I listened to FOTF broadcasts on the radio and ever so often the children would say “are you listening, mommy?” Clearly I had a lot to learn! His books became references for how to raise balanced and faith filled children and are still on my shelves today. Dr Dobson’s wonderful, spirit and Christ-filled legacy will last for generations to come. A true Christian and man of God. What a blessing, Praise God for James Dobson!

Ulrike