Tributes

We invite you to celebrate the life of Dr. James C. Dobson by sharing your thoughts and memories here.

Add A Tribute

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

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

As I grew up on the family farm, I had the privilege and honor to listen to Dr. James Dobson on the radio in the cow barn as we milked and fed cows on a daily basis. Dr. Dobson was someone I grew to respect and love. I have many of his books in my home library as references that I used to prepare myself for marriage, parenting, and family life. Dr. Dobson was right in his understanding that Biblical marriage between one man and one woman for life and the nuclear family unit is the basic building block of all of human society. Our modern society is plagued with many social ills because of our loss of focus on the Lord and His holy word as well as a lack of understanding of created order. Dr. Dobson was a light in a darkening world and has and will inspire many others not only to grow up, but to step up to be the godly Christian men and woman God intended them to be having a positive impact for God and His kingdom for generations to come. I want to express my condolences to Shirley, Ryan, Laura, Danae and the rest of the family in there loss of husband, father, and friend, but also to re-assure them of God’s love and faithfulness through Christ and His ability to preserve us in both life and death. Once again you all have my deepest sympathy in your time of loss, but also the hope in the promises we have in God through Christ. He is faithful.

John

When I was a new Christian I tuned in daily at 12:30 to listen to Dr. Dobson on Focus on the Family. It was a half hour loaded with lots of practical counsel for my wife and I as we raised our two sons in a nation that was quickly abandoning it’s Judeo Christian foundation. I am so grateful to the Lord for raising up such a godly man during our country’s (Canada) turbulent times and I pray the Lord will raise up more men like Dr. Dobson, with courage in their Christian convictions. My condolences to Mrs. Dobson and their family.

Dave

Dr. Dobson’s ‘action, not anger’ teaching, reminding me to implement the action plan sooner to not become angry, was so helpful. Listening to the radio broadcasts of Focus on the Family calmed me, normalized challenges, and helped me know I could do it. I am so grateful for his courage. I’m thankful that he worked so hard for our gain.

Fiona

I loved hearing his voice on the radio. He was like a second father, and he was full of compassion. I took comfort in listening to him. He will be greatly missed. I wish I could have had him for a counselor.

Matthew

I became a Christian at age 13 and soon after started reading materials by Dr. Dobson and listening to Focus on the Family. In 1983, the year I graduated high school, I started a lifelong habit of listening to Christian talk radio as I yearned for a father figure like Dr. Dobson. He was always faithful and had such a calm demeanor. Since then, I married my college sweetheart and we had two amazing children. We homeschooled them and are now preparing to homeschool our granddaughter. The gospel-infused content has impacted three generations of our family here in Kentucky. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for inspiring me, educating me, giving me hope, and pointing me to the saving grace of Jesus.

Heather

I lost my father when I was 17 and shortly afterwards gave my heart to Jesus. I listened to Dr. James Dobson from that time on until today in my Christian walk. He has been my hero and mentor to whom I am eternally grateful. Thank you for your influence in mine and millions of others lives. You’re a good and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jon

Dr. Dobson was a wonderful man of God. I’ve listened to him for years. When I was in CO, it was a thrill to find the Focus on the Family campus. Although everything was closed when I was there, I drove around and felt like something wonderful was taking place on those grounds. Thank you Jim and Shirley for years of service to others in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. See you in Heaven!

Shelley

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Dobson and my prayers go out to dear Shirley and his family. That said, no one could deserve more the words “well done, good and faithful servant”. He truly was a godly man who was most instrumental in the lives of the unborn and the family in general. I raised my girls with him over 40 years ago and continued to listen to him and read his books through all those years. What a giant in the Christian community. He will be very much missed. Enjoy your time with our Savior, Dr. Dobson…until we meet in person at the great reunion.

Angela

I am thankful for Dr. Dobson’s lifetime of dedication to upholding biblical principles. I think we are all recipients of his hard work. I learned so much through his radio programs. I will miss his comforting voice on the radio. I pray for those continuing the ministry work. And of course my heart and prayers go out to Miss Shirley and his family. I’m very sorry for your loss. I can’t help but imagine how wonderful it is for him in heaven though! Blessings to you. 💛

Margo

What an asset heaven has received. My wife and I raised our 2 daughters with a tremendous amount of assistance from Doctor Dobson and the Focus on the Family staff. I never met him personally but I feel I knew him very well. His loving, caring spirit was such a blessing, he will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our sincere prayers and condolences to the family.

Brian & Rhoda Marr

I lost my mom at 14 and got married at 17 to my youth group sweetheart. Dr. Dobson was my constant mentor in my marriage and raising of three children. We’ve been married 45 years and have 3 godly children married to godly spouses and 9 grandchildren being raised in the faith. Thank you Dr. Dobson!

Cathy

Dr Dobson’s books and radio broadcasts in the 1980s helped to guide me and direct my children in the true ways of Christ. Wise words I know were directed by the Holy Spirit and Dr. Dobson had me looking to scripture countless times which grew a deeper yearning for biblical revelation. Thank you LORD Almighty for giving my generation this Godly man. I pray his family and those he loved be at peace. He’s all yours now!

Deborah

Dr. Dobson was really a gift from God. He was father to generations, at a time when many homes had no father. He always spoke God’s Truth and Wisdom “in love.” So happy that he’s entered into his rest. Praying comfort and encouragement for Shirley and family, plus all of those who ate at his table. 🙏

Jeffrey

Dr. Dobson made a profound impact on my life and my family’s lives. I listened to many radio broadcasts about homeschooling — I especially enjoyed his interview with Dr. Raymond & Dorothy Moore. In 1988, I started homeschooling and will finish with my last child this year of 2025/26. And, all but one of my grandchildren are currently being homeschooled. As a young mother I looked forward every day to Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson’s voice was so familiar to me. He was both a comfort and an inspiration. I praise God for Dr. Dobson and the tremendous influence he has had on the very fabric of hundreds of thousands — maybe millions — of lives. It has been an honor to “know” him!!

Sherry

Heartbreaking to hear this news. He was a bulwark against a culture that is lost to hedonism. What Dr. Dobson taught for so long is literally the underpinning of what a successful society looks like. There are many celebrating this loss today. I remember when Jerry Falwell passed, and the same crowd celebrated then. Dr. Dobson spoke of this on his program with true love and empathy. His example serves as the way Christ would approach the same folks — “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” Prayer for his family. May Dr. Dobson rest in peace with Christ. I look forward to the day in glory when I can thank him for the advice and encouragement he provided me for a plethora of situations over the years.

Nathan

I began listening to Dr. Dobson in 1977 while stationed at Edwards AFB, CA. My first daughter was born in 1979. No man has been more influential than Dr. Dobson in teaching me the way to be a Christian husband and father. He was instrumental in the way we raised our three daughters. Many a times during my Air Force career I took my lunch out to the car so I could listen to the Dr. Dobson daily talk program. I did this for years. I learned so much and the Holy Spirit inspired me in many ways during those ‘sessions’ I had in my car with Dr. Dobson. I served a number of assignments in Colorado Springs and was privileged to be in attendance at the grand opening of the Focus on the Family campus. I will not forget that. I will miss knowing he is still on the Earth with us, but know he has heard those words ‘well done faithful servant. Well done.’ Jim, I will miss you but know I will see you, and get to meet you in person, when my time is up on this Earth. Thank you for all you did for me and for my family. My grown children and their families are still being influenced by your legacy even today.

Colonel (USAF, Ret) Jon Hall

I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful warrior in the faith. My sincere sympathies go out to the Dobson family. I have loved Dr. Dobson’s books and radio broadcasts as well as his resource library for years. As a therapist myself for over 20 years, I frequently refer others to his books and resources for further guidance. When I used to work in the public school system, I was always advising parents to consult his books on raising children. They are staples in my professional resource library to this day. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for giving me such rich resources to help others based on God’s Word and wisdom. You will be deeply missed, but I’m looking forward to our meeting in Heaven one day so I can thank you personally!

Angela

Showing Slide 1 of 21