Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, giving insight into how a family is supposed to function – from books 📚 and Focus on the Family to the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Thank you. May you rest well in Christ Jesus.
Gary
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
Dr. Dobson has simply been a part of my family for at least 48 years, giving relevant and understandable information, encouragement, and advice on relational, parental, spiritual, moral, and political matters. He will be greatly missed. I have respected and valued him. May the Lord bless and comfort his family.
Kathryn
So very sorry to hear of brother Dobson’s passing. His work, dedication, and ministry shall forever be remembered. He was truly a man of God who I know is in His presence. God bless his soul and family. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for all you did in service to our Lord. Amen.
Greg
I have been “schooled“ by Dr. Dobson since Focus on the Family days. He was a great man, educator, husband , father( to multitudes), and a man of unwavering faith. He commanded your attention. He was an example to us all, and he will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his dear wife and family. Well done, good & faithful servant, enter into your rest.
William
I thank God for Dr. Dobson’s life because he had the love and courage to speak truth and wisdom with the heart of a loving father. When I was a young college student commuting to my classes, I discovered his radio broadcasts in 1979. His messages brought much clarity, encouragement, and restoration to my life. I’ve listened to his broadcasts for decades now. God used his life in a powerful way to impact me for His kingdom. Many blessings to his dear family!
Rebecca
The late Dr. D. James Kennedy was a faithful evangelical warrior until his death in 2007. Today’s Family Talk broadcast revisits Dr. Dobson’s somber yet uplifting comments that he delivered at Dr. Kennedy’s memorial service. Dr. Dobson shared his admiration for and friendship with this godly leader before reflecting on Dr. Kennedy’s legacy. Dr. Dobson also challenged the next generation to boldly stand for righteousness like Dr. Kennedy did.
Grady
Praise God for the life and ministry of Dr. James Dobson! His integrity, consistency, and devotion to wisdom born of the Scriptures remains a profound influence in my life. His radio program was a lifeline to me as a young Christian who had not grown up in church. He helped me in countless ways. His caring and advice was there when I was rudderless as a newlywed and wanted to honor God in my marriage; when I struggled in desperation with infertility and miscarriages. When we were blessed with our daughter, he helped me to rejoice in the mayhem and joys of parenthood. In addition, he introduced his audience to legions of powerful voices. Among my favorites are author Frank Peretti, and the one who will always be known as my “rabbi on the radio,” Dennis Prager. How enriching these minds have been! I cannot imagine how dull and lifeless my walk of faith would have been without the shining light of Dr. Dobson and his Focus on the Family ministry. What a beautiful legacy he leaves. My deepest sympathies to his cherished wife, children, and grandchildren. My prayers rise to heaven on their behalf. Dawn
Dawn
My sincere condolences to Dr. Dobson’s family, friends, and co-workers. I began listening to Focus on the Family on the radio in 1977. He helped us raise our children, and he saved our marriage. After listening to a program on alcoholism, I confronted my husband, and he quit drinking. Our lives had more struggles, but this was the beginning of change for the better. I saw the excellent film series at our church. I was helped by reading many of Dr. Dobson’s books. I enjoyed learning about other authors and their books that he featured on his programs. He always showed he cared about people and knew how to make each program interesting. I am thankful for his courage to speak the truth about God and what was going on in our country. He inspired me to write letters and make phone calls to elected officials. When his radio program was no longer available when I moved, I listened to the podcast. I thank God for Dr. Dobson’s life and for everyone who helped make his voice heard. May his voice continue to spread the “good news.”
Carolyn
Love you, Dr. Dobson! You and Chuck Swindoll have been my spiritual fathers. Thank you for pouring godly wisdom into my life.
David
Dear family and friends of Dr. James Dobson, I have many precious/outstanding memories of Dr. Dobson, and my work at Focus on the Family impacted my life! It was a priceless privilege to work under Dr. and Mrs. Dobson for probably thirteen of the fourteen years I was there! I so much enjoyed taking phone calls, “touching one heart at a time!” I remember Dr. Dobson walking through Constituent Response at least one time, likely more times, and talking to one of the constituents! What a blessing! My favorite memory was when we made outbound calls to the constituents. When we mentioned that we had not heard from them for a while, we asked how we could pray for them. That often opened a river of desire/need for prayer! Long after this on March 27, 2023, I wrote in a journal: “I had a very touching experience today when someone called about insurance. When I told him that I worked at Focus of the Family for 14 years, he said that he loved Focus on the Family. I mentioned that my favorite memory from Focus was when we made outbound calls and said, “We haven’t heard from you for a while; is there any way we can pray for you?” Amazingly he told me that he had gotten one of those calls when he was a boy! His mother had just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and I believe he said he burst into tears when he got the call. His mother was spared from the thyroid cancer, so he has great respect for Focus . . . (I believe this was an amazingly providential phone call. I can hardly imagine it!) My training at Focus was stellar! “Detail, detail, detail,” and wonderful customer care was emphasized and practiced. It has influenced me to provide “customer care” as opposed to “customer service.” Just days ago when I heard a recording of him speaking on the broadcast with Greg Laurie, I could hear the smile in his voice. I was reminded that we were taught to smile when we were talking to the constituents! Yes, it makes a difference! Another outstanding time was when Dr. Dobson walked into the chapel after he was healed from his stroke. (We thought we were there for an update, as I recall. And were so thrilled to see him!) Dr. Dobson, you have stood for life and for righteousness! And, thank you for the tremendous influence you have had in shaping our nation! Your example of respect for our military was outstanding! And last, but NOT least, I am especially grateful for the blessing you have been to me personally and for being my “work father!” Sharon
Sharon
I’m forever grateful for the radio ministry of Dr. Dobson and his team of Christ-followers. I was fortunate enough to begin hearing his work during my college days in the ’90s. I’m grateful for Dr. Dobson’s “yes, Lord” life! I thank Dr. Dobson’s family for sharing him with the rest of us. Praise God!
Summer
I am incredibly grateful for the influence Dr. Dobson had on my wife and me, especially in raising our children! His biblical teaching and psychological guidance were tremendous assets in guiding our children into adulthood. We now have two incredible adult sons! CG & KG
Charles
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of a truly great man of God, Dr. James Dobson. I met Dr. Dobson several years ago when I was living in Colorado Springs and was invited to attend the autumn “Gatherings.” I always felt Dr. Dobson was more like a father to me than my real father, and he and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, were the only ones at these events who came up to me and spoke with me one-to-one. I always felt these meetings had a special kinship with their kindness, sincerity, and deep abiding Christian love. I remember that, at one of the “Gatherings,” pictures were taken with the Dobsons. I remember holding onto Mrs. Dobson’s hand, and she gently squeezed it as we posed for the camera. It was their warm smiles and affection that I will always remember, and the photo (which I still have) to reflect on that moment with fondness. My sympathy goes out to Mrs. Dobson, Danae, and Ryan and his family, and all of those at JDFI. Dr. Dobson’s Christian influence on the world will be sorely missed. P.S. I still have a signed copy of my favorite of all of Dr. Dobson’s books: “Love Must Be Tough.”
Judy
FOTF helped me in so many ways through the years. One time that stands out is from FOTF’s early years. I had become a new Christian, and my church was showing Dr. Dobson’s series about family life. The night I went, it was the episode about fatherhood. I wasn’t close to my father growing up. As a young teen, I dreamed that he was in our backyard, being mauled by a bear, and my honest reaction was I didn’t care. After the presentation was over, I quickly ran to my car and wept like never before. Afterwards, God’s wisdom and understanding started replacing the hurt and anger. The catalyst for healing came from Dr. Dobson’s presentation. My father and I reconciled, and we had a great relationship until his death. Thank you, Focus on the Family. I’ll always be grateful for Dr. Dobson’s tireless devotion to making families strong.
David
Dr. Dobson was very influential in my life, especially during the years I was raising my children. I remember him as a strong and dedicated man of God who used his expertise to inspire and help so many people on healthy lessons for teaching children. He also helped couples in their relationships with each other and with God. I treasure the many books, pamphlets, and videos that were instructional teaching resources that his ministry provided. I pray that his ministry will continue, and I pray God’s richest blessings on his family and those have gotten inspired across the globe.
Barbara
Dr. Dobson has changed and continues to change my family and me. He helped change my family tree.The main influences are and were: Focus on the Family (FOF) – the regular marriage and parenting advice is priceless. Currently, my wife is an unbeliever; The Bringing Up Boys book – this alerted my wife and me to the cultural and spiritual challenges of raising three sons; The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute – a godly perspective on how to influence our culture. What an amazing legacy! Thank you very much for working tirelessly for our Lord.
Tony
I was a single mother, and I listened faithfully to Dr. Dobson on Focus on the Family. My daughter Victoria grew up listening to Adventures in Odyssey broadcasts. One day my daughter got in trouble (nothing life-threatening), and, as I was speaking with her about the consequences, she exclaimed, “Have you been talking to Dr. Dobson?!”
Margarita
Thank you, Dr. Dobson. You helped me so much while I was raising my strong-willed child. I will never forget you and all the many hours I spent listening to your podcast and KKN. I will miss you and your sweet voice, but I know I will see you again. Thank you to your loving wife, Shirley, and children for sharing you with all of us. God is so good. He knew what He was doing when he made you all and the impact you would have on the world. Thank you for standing for the truth.
Katrina
Many years ago, I listened to Dr. Dobson interview a woman who had a terminal illness. She needed a friend to get a card for her husband and could find no one home to help her with that and other little things. I began to pray that God would show me someone to whom I could minister. A few years later, a friend developed MS, the fast-moving kind. I began to visit her once a week. It became something I planned as part of my week. We talked and laughed together. Sometimes I would bake cookies with her for her family or bring something for the family dinner. I realized as time went by that I needed my visits with her as much as she did. I was blessed by our friendship. Her last 10 years, she could no longer move at all. I saw her pain but also her strength of character and her trust in God. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for opening my eyes to the need of another person..
Leslie
Dear Shirley, Ryan, and Danae: Although I have lived on Cape Cod (New England) for many years now, I have very often reflected on the twelve-plus years I worked so closely with Dr. Dobson as head of Focus on the Family Films, eventually earning his personal friendship. It was always an honor to not only work with and for him for so many years on a multitude of projects as well as being a guest on his radio program, but an honor to to call him a friend and mentor. I was saddened to hear of his passing, yet joyful in the Lord to KNOW that James Dobson is with his Lord and Savior and has heard those words for which he longed – “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Lovingly and respectfully, Bob Garner
Bob