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

In January 1989, I was a newly divorced survivor of domestic abuse. I reached out to Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson responded personally to me, with an encouraging letter that met me at the point of my need (I still have that letter to this day). He also provided a set of books and tapes that supported and guided me along that fearsome journey of parenting five children on my own. (I have used those resources to help countless persons over the years). I wish to add my voice to the crowd of others who have been touched and helped in some way by Dr. Dobson. I am thankful for the impact he had on my life and how he assisted me during the most difficult season of my life. He truly lived his faith. Eternity would reveal the extent of his love and care for others. May Almighty God comfort his family during their time of grief.

Jennifer

Thank You for all this man did to serve the Lord with his family and his life. We are praying for his family and hope he has an entry like no other. We will miss the good advice from those family teachings. God’s word.

I first started listening to Dr. James Dobson on Focus on the Family over 20 years ago when I was a young newly married woman, then whilst raising my 4 children in the years to come. He will never know how his words of wisdom helped and encouraged me in that season. Thank you Dr. James Dobson for caring so much about helping others and touching lives all over the world. You will be missed and remembered. Sending condolences to all the family at this time all the way from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺🙏

Rebecca

Focus on the family has touched me deeply when raising my children back in 2001. My young daughter would be the advocate for the many books and videos we implemented in our lives through a very tough season of abuse, divorce and remarriage only to face death of my husband after only 3 short years. My son would take our homemade pulpit and teach and preach to his older and younger sisters. And we learned what it felt to walk a loved one to heaven. We took this opportunity to share our own version of Focus on the Family with our local church in northland NZ. Years later we had to make that walk of forgiveness and journey once again in a very different road leading to release of the children’s father on his deathbed. Many years have passed beyond those events and now the focus is on raising 3 beautiful grandchildren and a blessed and healed daughter who has a loving marriage. A son who lives with me and has love of art and animation in Auckland NZ and a lovely special needs daughter living in Alexandra South Island thriving in a living options complex. The books and now audible links sent regularly in my email from James Dobson still shape my life today as a Glamma.

Suzi

Dr. Dobson’s radio show, Focus on the Family, and numerous books were instrumental in how I raised my children, in choosing homeschooling in the 1980s and my getting involved with a Pregnancy Crisis Center, just to name a few of the areas his work impacted not only my family, but countless others. Praising God for his faithful service to Him and all of those whose lives he touched 🙌❣️

Diana

What a great legacy you have left Dr Dobson! You will be greatly missed but grateful to have crossed paths years ago im SoCal. I did baby sitting for your kids and knew your lovely wife Shirley. Our family loved to listen to your talk shows and podcasts. May your work continue and look forward to meeting you up there someday.

Linda

I was saddened to hear of James Dobson’s passing, but rejoicing that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. My heart is saddened for his family and their great loss. I will pray the Lord will comfort them as only He can. I have so many wonderful stories of how James Dobson and his great wisdom helped us to raise our children. One of my favorites was when I was reading the first book I bought, Dare to Discipline. I was explaining to my children that we were going to follow a new plan for disciplining them. We would have a place for spanking and not just randomly ‘hitting’ them. The first to receive a spanking was our 6 year old. As he was waiting in our room for discipline, he calls out, “Just because you’re reading that stupid book, why do I have to be the example?” It was all I could do to not burst out laughing. So smart for a six year old! He’s now 45 years old, and if I do say so myself, a very nice man who was trained in the Word with Dobson’s input.

Linda

I’m sure so many will say the same things, but I want to add my voice. Thank you, God for the wisdom You sent through Dr. Dobson! One of the best parenting directions I received was from The Strong Willed Child. His advice of “shaping the will of a child but not breaking the spirit” has guided us for our 24 years of parenting. We still have one child left at home and I need to remember these life-giving words. God bless you Dr. Dobson, we are so privileged to have lived during the same time as you.

Sarah

I am deeply grateful for the inspiration Dr. Dobson has given me. His writings have helped me walk alongside others in their challenges and encourage them in their journey toward God.

Sonia

In the 1980s, I remember listening every day as a young mom. But one day my husband and I were in the car. I heard Dr. Dobson say, “I now will begin to give the gospel more prominently. I at first believed I was talking only to Christians but now my radio has grown so much and I will give the Gospel.” I was so happy about that. I felt he usually presented problems, but no solution.

jane

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Dobson’s passing but know he is with his loving Savior. He was an amazing man and had an incredible life and ministry. I recall finding his radio show late in 1990s. Dr. Dobson was a wealth of information. I wish I knew him back in the late 70s when when I was going through a divorce. I loved listening to his programs and even though older I really enjoyed Adventures in Odyssey. On my way home from work I wouldn’t miss the program. I never had children but that program was enjoyable for all ages. I purchased some CDs for my nephew’s children when they were in the car and even some for myself when taking long trips. I was sad when he left Focus but once again found him on Family Talk. Today, I still read his promotional letters to hear what is going on in the ministry. He will definitely be missed but all he seeded over the years will continue to grow and be harvested through so many lives he touched. Thank you to Shirley and his family for encouraging him and allowing so many others to be enriched by his time, knowledge and God’s Spirit. God bless. Praying for all of you, family, and staff.

Nancy

Dr. Dobson helped me raise our three children! He came on the air just as I needed him (1981). At that time, there were no computers, podcasts, etc to help parents, and I felt very much alone. My friends were not parents yet, and it isolated me in a world all my own to have a family to raise. I listened to Dr. Dobson EVERY DAY, and when he used this illustration (to follow,) I actually cried! SOME one “got” me!!! SOME one understood my life! This is what he said: “Having three or more children under the age of five is like trying to hold fifteen ping-pong balls underwater all at the same time.” What a help Dr. Dobson was to me, in parenting, in marriage, in serving God, and finally, in homeschooling! He is certainly hearing, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”!!!!

Terri

I raised my boys by Dr Dobson’s books. At Christian book seminars I listened to his advise on occasions. I quoted him often in conversions. I know his time on earth was done and the Lord took him home but oh we will miss him terribly.

Judy

Thank you for being on the front line and taking the stand to protect our families as God ordained. You are a giant of the faith who will not be forgotten. Thank you and we thank your family.

Lawrence

I met Dr. Dobson on AM radio when I was a new, stay-at-home mother raising a daughter and a son in the l980s. It wasn’t a popular thing to do. I made certain that we cleared the schedule so I could listen to Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson for 1/2 hour Monday through Friday. It shaped my foundation for parenting with a Biblical perspective. I still to this day at age 73, remember those moments, lessons, expressions, humor, foundational Truths as I engage with my grandchildren. The book that I remember most and have lent out is THE STRONG-WILLED CHILD. There isn’t an adequate accolade that can match what Dr. Dobson gave to the American Family. I’m very sad that he has left this earth but I know exactly where he is and I will be able to say thank you in person in Heaven! May God bless his family and all that he created.

Deborah

My brother Robert and I have respectfully followed Dr. James Dobson since (I think) the late 70s back at Focus on the Family. We went to Focus on the Family to drop off a precious metal donation which resulted in us visiting the campus in Colorado. It brings back great memories!! Dr. James & Shirley Dobson set a Biblical valued course supporting marriage, the family, and pro-life activities. What a great example of living a godly life. As our brother and sister in Christ we love them dearly. Soon we will join them in Christ’s presence, praising and worshipping our Wonderful Savior. The best is yet to come!!

Joseph

My first memory of Dr. Dobson was around 1990 when our church played videos of his Family Teaching. I fell in love with his teaching style. From that time on, I read his books, watched videos, and listened to podcasts. His Biblical teaching literally molded our family. I really can’t imagine or wouldn’t want to imagine how our lives would have turned out. I thank my God every time that I think of Dr Dobson. I cried when I found out that he passed away. And then I thought of the reunion in heaven. May God comfort his family, co-workers and friends. What a void his presence leaves, but not his legacy… what a Father in the Faith. I pray that his teachings and the teaching of those he poured into will continue to build godly character. All my love and prayers.

Dawn

What a MAN!!!! Thank you Dr. Dobson for your encouragement and knowledge for those of us who were raising our children! I listened to you daily while I was doing that. You were an inspiration to me. I LOVED being a mom and loving my children and you helped me do that. I also loved the Lord. I am a Catholic and love my faith and your faith encouraged me to be sure that our children were given the necessary help needed to become lovers of the Lord. I bought many of your books and tapes and loved listening to all of them. How great they were. In my opinion because of you, the family we have right now has been so very much helped by you. I have been married for 55 years and I am very happy. We have 4 children–2 girls and 2 boys. You have been such a great help to me in filling them with the spirit of the Lord. I am so very grateful that you were my mentor. Thank you for giving me the advise that I needed to be a strong parent. I miss you, but I am so thankful that you were here on earth when I was raising our children. I stayed at home with them and enjoyed every minute!!! Thank you for fighting for the unborn. I want to add a special thank to your wife, Shirley, who stood by you all the way through!! Thank you Shirley for sharing your wonderful husband with me.

Patrice

A life well lived. All to the glory of God and for HIs purpose. I am thankful for the guidance and wisdom Dr. Dobson imparted on a daily basis. My words are inadequate, but I know Dr. Dobson was used by God in my life during the years when my children were small all the way through even until now with my grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. His example of faithfulness to the Lord and his work to advance the Kingdom is a lesson to all of us to take up the mantle as well. Praying for his family.

Dallas

Dr. Dobson’s books helped me so much when raising my children. I appreciate his voice for truth in a dark time. I found myself crying remembering him. I thank God for his courageous influence on my life and on this generation.

Heidi