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

What a gift from God was Dr. Dobson and his ministry to us all. My mother began sending me material from his ministry when I became a mother in the 80s and boy did it correct some misconceptions I had on being a mother. My adult children are wonderful godly believers because of his ministry. Thank you, Dr. Dobson and I look forward to meeting you in person when I meet my happy reward. May God comfort and richly bless Shirley and her family during this time.

Suzy

What a huge influence he has had on my life. He influenced the way my mom parented me and he in turn had an influence on how I parented my kids. Generational knowledge of teaching and prioritizing family and faith over all the nonsense we get pulled into here on earth. I am so grateful for his guidance throughout my life and I am who I am today because of him. He is voice has always been a comfort in the radio which turned into the voice on my podcasts. His advice is timeless and his involvement in the kids radio for Adventures in Odyssey will forever be cherished in my home. Can’t wait to meet him in heaven someday.

Sali

Dr. Dobson was a bright and shining light in our lives when we lived in dark Northern Virginia. We will remember him as probably the most kind and true Christian friend on our radio. We rejoice in his victory with Christ and his new home in Glory.

I’m from the UK and first heard Dr. Dobson at a Baptist Church whilst living with a husband having an affair. His advice encouraged me and his godly teaching helped me bring up my children as a single parent. As a Christian Psychologist he had the right advice whilst many well meaning people don’t. I feel the loss! God bless Shirley and the James Dobson Family Institute.

Shirley

The generation that raised me (peers with Dr. Dobson) listened to his wise and faithful parenting advice and did their best to put it into practice. I’m grateful for all that we learned from Dr. Dobson and his teams.

Jim

I’m only in my 50s, but I grew up listening to Dr. Dobson and even to this day, my kids listen to Adventures in Odyssey. Dr. Dobson was a man that really walked the talk, and unfortunately, there are few examples today of men that are able to live such a full life. While many people today look at sports stars and singers as heroes, I look to Dr. Dobson, pursuing the gifts that God gave him and using those gifts in service to the Kingdom. Sadly, I did not have an earthly father that was involved in my life, but thanks to Dr. Dobson, I’m probably not as terrible as I would have been otherwise. I’m grateful that I was able to hear his words of wisdom for so many years; he was loved by so many people he never met and he will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to Shirley and the family.

Tom

Well done good and faithful servant.

James

Dr. Dobson taught me that there is nothing more important than teaching your children about Christ and having faith in Him. I will be looking for you on that eastern gate. Be there! I know you will. God bless you for all you did. Your legacy will live on for years to come. Love you like a brother as you would say. 😍🙏

Tony

As a former State Director of Concerned Women for America of Kansas, I relied on Dr. Dobson for accurate and timely information about issues concerning the family. I listened to Focus on the Family for years and appreciated his courage to stand for family values in the midst of an atmosphere of “anything goes”. I am sure he is hearing “Well-done good and faithful servant” in heaven right now. A life well-lived!

Judy

Dr. Dobson’s books and the “Focus on the Family” radio broadcasts helped me raise my daughters. Dr. Dobson’s book “Love Must Be Tough” guided me through a rough divorce. Dr. Dobson was a moral compass for our nation. He will be missed.

Kay

It is with great sadness that I write this tribute to a man who helped to shape my view of life and current political and domestic affairs. He made me feel that I had a say in how policies were adopted by giving us the telephone number of the White House and calling for boycotts against certain companies (of which I continue to this day). There will never be anyone else like him. My sincere condolences to the family and friends and to followers like myself.

Germaine

I am so sad this day has come, but have been so very spoiled to receive so many years of Dr. Dobson’s teaching and influence in my life. From the age of 17 I heard his broadcasts on the radio to now, aged 52, I have been listening to his podcasts. He has been a sort of father figure to me. He has taught me how to live a Christian life and how to have a close faith filled family. My adult children are walking with the Lord, and I’m sure he can take some of that credit. I loved listening to him. So knowledgeable yet so real. So relatable. I cannot begin to imagine how Mrs. Dobson and his children are coping with the loss of this wonderful man. But how wonderful to know he is with his Heavenly Father. My heart overflows with admiration and gratitude.

Katherine

So sad to hear about the passing of our dear brother today! I rejoice for him but weep with you. America lost a great champion today, however I know that the family and the ministry will continue to press on for the advancement of the kingdom. My name is Denae and am named after Danae Dobson (my parents didn’t know that hers was spelled with two A’s) who I hope to meet someday. I am praying for Shirley, Danae, Ryan and Laura, the grandkids, and everyone who was close to him. May our Lord hold you and walk with you through this valley. So thankful for the many ways that James Dobson influenced my life!

Denae

Thank you Dr. Dobson and thank you God for helping me make sense of my non-Christian family-of-origin dynamic. God bless you in Heaven!!

Anita

I have listen to Dr. Dobson on the radio for over 33 years. His words were such an encouragement to me to be a better wife, mother, and grandparent, but especially to have a close relationship with our Lord. I admired him and his beautiful wife so much, for the godly man and woman they were. He will be missed.

Ella

I will be praying for Shirley and the children and grandchildren. I was blessed by all the teaching that Dr. Dobson did through all these years by broadcasts, books, and family series that I watched in church as I raised my two children. I appreciated so much how he stood up and spoke for Christian values continually and didn’t back down.

Linda

Focus on the Family was the very first Christian radio program that I ever heard. That was in January of 1984 at the age of 19, as a new Christian. Dr. Dobson became ‘my Christian psychologist.’ I was married in July of 1984. We were both new Christians and knew very little about making a proper home. Everything that I learned about having a Christ-centered home and raising our 2 children to know the Lord was from Dr. Dobson over the next 34 years until my children both married. His impact throughout my life has been immense. He was a trusted advisor. I am so deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Prayers for his family. I am thankful that even in the midst of grief for his death, there is great hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Gretchen

I was in my teenage years when I started listening to Focus on the Family and Dr. James Dobson. He shaped my growing up years, marriage, and raising our four children. I am grateful beyond words for the impact Dr. Dobson had in my life. To God be all the glory for such a legacy.

Daniela

I first met Dr. Dobson on Focus on the Family following my conversion to Christ in my 20s and he fed my desire to reach my children for Him before THEIR 20s! I tuned in to garner wisdom on my marriage, raising my children, being outspoken about being an advocate for the family and faith. I read not only Dr. Dobson’s books, (especially the Strong Willed Child!) and also read the books of his frequent guests, being the wiser for having spent time in them. I cry as I hear of Dr. Dobson leaving us, as I considered him a friend and mentor though we never met. I sing praises to Jesus that Dr. Dobson is HOME!

Linda

I thank you Dr. Dobson and your beloved Shirley, for your broadcasts in the 1980s. “Focus on the Family” was my daily lifeline of encouragement and hope as a wife and mom. “Adventures in Odyssey” was the best! “May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”

Jan