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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.

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Recent Tributes

I owe so much to this wonderful man of God! Having grown up in a dysfunctional family, I needed to be taught how to raise my children and how to be a good wife! The most important first step was coming to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior and creating in me a desire for my children to come to know Jesus early in their childhood! When I discovered Dr. Dobson’s radio broadcasts, I became a regular listener and read many of the books he wrote! I loved how he shared so honestly about himself and his family! His humor would make me laugh out loud as he shared stories like forgetting his first anniversary and about his dog, Ziggy! My heart is very sad with the loss of this great man! I immediately began to pray for Shirley, the love of his life and for his children as I know they are grieving! May his legacy live on continuing to prioritize the value that Jesus and family should have in this life here on earth!

Joyce

I am just one of so many who learned how to be a Christian wife and mother from Dr. James Dobson. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, I knew what I didn’t want my home and family to be like. Listening to his radio show day by day gave me a model to follow, with wise guests who, along with Dr. Dobson, discipled listeners like me over decades. Our whole family benefitted from Adventures in Odyssey, being in that first group of Truth Project leaders, the Focus Leadership Institute our son attended, and of course books like, “The Strong Willed Child.” His words, “Be there on the other side,” are now those I extend to my grandchildren who, praise God, are growing up a godly home. My heart is glad, while my eyes are watery, at the thought of this mighty man of God hearing the words of the Savior he served so well, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”Prayers for all is the Dobson family as they grieve the loss of this giant of a man, but know that his legacy will endure for generations.

Tracey

There are just no other words I can even begin to articulate other than Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for surrendering your life to the purpose the Lord created you for – championing the home and family as God established – the very foundation of our society.As a young baby boomer wife, mom, Christian school teacher, and pastor’s wife I’ve gone to you over and over through the radio and books for help. Raising my children on Adventures in Odyssey and taking them to visit Whit’s End in Colorado Springs is a highlight our family will never forget. Thank you for fighting for us and making us all aware of the political issues that affect the family and what we could do to speak out. That could not have been easy. Thank you for giving us the words to articulate why these things were so important to stand up for. Although I rejoice at what you are experiencing right now – being in the presence of Jesus, your parents and loved ones – and even though we have never met I feel like you were a hero and mentor and I am so sad that you are no longer here on earth – I always have taken comfort in your presence and your prayers for our nation. God bless you Dr. Dobson and prayers and hugs to your precious family. Our family loves you!

Becky

Dr. Dobson gave my mother and I the wisdom and inspiration to raise two generations of Christians. I was born in 1978, a year after Dr. Dobson started Focus on the Family. I remember my mom listening to Dr. Dobson in the kitchen while she was cooking. We relied on his ministry for Christian wisdom through all the stages of family life—births, deaths, job and marriage struggles. I am now a stay at home mother, wife and homeschooler who is much wiser with Dr. Dobson’s spiritual foundation in my heart. God, thank you for giving Dr Dobson the bravery to stand up for the family and to say what needed to be said in a culture that has lost its way. Thank you for his life and legacy and may we all continue his values and follow his example of speaking the truth in love and making sure we give our best energies to our spouse, children, and extended family. Amen.

Krista

I share the mixed emotions of many who were blessed by the testimony and teaching of Dr Dobson. Grief that he no longer will be physically present with us but also joy that he has reached what was always his ultimate goal to be where Christ had already gone to prepare for him as his new address, heaven . Dr Dobson’s faith and his knowledge of scriptural precepts found in the Bible, God’s Word have forevermore established his legacy he leaves behind as he daily taught us the importance of family that follows God’s perfect design. Truly as he often shared “raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” will be treasured going forward as we remember in those trying times of struggle with worldly cares those precious promptings from God’s Word he spent his entire professional life imparting to us. May the times we share those teachings he gave us live on in generations to come as a lasting tribute to the life and love of Dr. James Dobson.

Michael

Dr. Dobson’s largest influence on our family was his interview with Raymond and Dorothy Moore that promoted homeschooling. As a result of that broadcast, we investigated and eventually took the plunge. It has been an enormous blessing to our family in many ways. As we continued to listen to his broadcasts, we learned so much about living the Christian life and giving to others. He was knowledgeable, faithful, concise, and humorous. I especially remember the broadcast of “A Man Called Norman” and “Catch Me if You Can”. One of his amusing stories was his telling of finding his tennis trophies from USC in the trash! It was a lesson in not clinging to past accomplishments. I recently recommended “Dare to Discipline” to my son to help with his child. Dr. Dobson’s advice is timeless. Thank you for a life of helping others.

Carol

I am so very grateful to Dr. Dobson for his contribution to me and my family. I used to listen to him on the way to work, and he truly impacted my and my family’s life. His sincerity, integrity, honesty, and love for the institution of family was displayed in courageous challenges to the culture and providing ways to improve family and culture. I am sorry for the loss to society, but the legacy he left will speak for generations to come. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for you sacrifice to God for us and your willingness to stand for righteousness in the face of misunderstanding, ridicule, and criticism and preach the word – in season and out of season – for the benefit of the listeners and for the glory of God, our Father. Welcome Home! Job well done!

Celeste

I started listening to Dr. Dobson as new believer and a young mom. His wisdom has been so valuable in raising my kids and in my marriage. I will truly miss hearing him. Thankful he knows Jesus and is rejoicing in heaven with him.

Sue

This saddens me greatly that Dr. Dobson has passed. I have raised 3 wonderful daughters and now have 3 great sons-in-law with 7 grandchildren and the Christian walk that they all profess can be directly related to the wisdom that I gleaned from listening to his radio show and reading his books. I greatly admire Dr. Dobson and the kingdom work he did while walking this earth. If only I could be so committed to a life well lived for Christ. Heaven’s gain is definitely a great loss here on earth. One of these days I hope to get to hug his neck.

Kathy

Thank you for giving to the Lord…and to the building of Christ like marriages and families—my family has been impacted because of you—I am so glad you gave! May the peace of God fill your hearts and minds as you walk this road of grief and loss. Heaven just keeps getting sweeter. With Gratitude.

Angelina

Dr. Dobson, Thank you for making an immense contribution to my life as a husband, father, and grandfather. From the start of your ministry to now, you have provided practical, godly advice for all aspects of life. I read many of your books and faithfully listened to much of your programming. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this investment in me, which I am now passing on to my family and many others! I will continue the work and see you soon in our real home. God Bless You!!

Gerard

Oh! My heart when I heard the news! So sad for this world without Dr. Dobson’s influence. What a legacy though! Can you imagine as he is with Jesus and the Lord reveals a snapshot of every person whose life Dr. Dobson influenced!? It will take a millennium to just flip through that photo album…decades of children, parents, believers, and converts who came to a better understanding of who Jesus is and what a life lived well can even look like. The only other person to influence our world and culture like this was the Rev. Billy Graham. I can just see the two of them in heaven together, not claiming any credit for themselves but sitting at the feet of Jesus. This world will not be the same without him and I feel he would be declaring to those of us who remain to take up the mantel, “keep the good fight” and to “finish well”. My deepest condolences to his family and staff.

Carol

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dobson and family for the many years of encouraging parents and families in this ‘thing called life’. We as a couple, valued the thoughts he shared and the encouragement to be in God’s Word. We tried to apply many principles that he shared from his love of God’s Word and how he saw the Father loving his children here. We were grieved to hear of Dr.Dobson’s passing. We hold his family before the Lord during this time of his home going. In all, may Jesus Christ be praised!

Sue

Dr. Dobson was an encouragement to my husband and I as we raised our three sons. May God bless his family.

Connie

I have listened to Dr. Dobson most of my life. In my teenage years my mother would blast Dr. Dobson on her radio as loud as she could every morning. I couldn’t help but to listen. After I got married I moved across the country and had a long commute into work. I would listen to Dr. Dobson and the drive to work would pass so quickly. I have four children now and throughout their lives they have listened to Dr. Dobson. I am so thankful for Dr. Dobson and the wisdom he has imparted over the years. I am praying for his family and their great loss. I am sure Dr. Dobson is reaping his great reward along with many others he brought with him.

Stephanie

I owe a great deal to Dr. Dobson in that through his ministry I was able to better understand the teachings of our Lord. I have listened to his broadcasts for over 15 years. He was an inspiration to me and a true disciple of Christ. He will be greatly missed, however his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Marchelle

Dr. Dobson helped me raise my children with his radio shows and books. I will always remember him fondly. He lived what he preached. Praying for Shirley and the family.

Linda

Dr. Dobson had a great impact on me when I was in my late teens and early 20s. I listened all the time in my car on the radio, learning and soaking up what it meant to have a good strong marriage with the foundation of Christ! I didn’t grown up in a Christian home and after I was saved as a young teen, I wanted my life to be different from the way I saw my family dynamic. Thank you Dr. Dobson for your legacy, you will be missed.

Sheri

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Dobson’s passing. Yet I cannot imagine the heavenly reunion that accompanied his entrance into heaven. I have probably read 40 of the 70 books he wrote. He was my go to reference on raising my children, discipline, marriage relationships, and living a godly life. He was one of the most influential writers in my life! I know he will be missed all over the world by hundreds of thousands of people. I look forward to personally meeting him and having a face to face chat when I too reach my heavenly home. My prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Margaret

What a wonderful influence Dr. Dobson has had on our family, and still does today. We have listened to innumerable radio broadcasts. My adult children now listen to Odyssey. I have taken Dr. Dobson’s wisdom into my prison ministry. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your faithfulness and perseverance that has so richly blessed our lives!

John