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

When our children were still young, we had the opportunity to tour the headquarters of Focus on the Family in Pomona, California. During out visit, Dr. Dobson, the founder, graciously stepped out of his On-Air studio just to say ‘Hi’ to us. It was simple moment, but it left a deep impression. Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to personally greet us, showing the kindness and humility for which he’s so well known. Now, as Dr. James Dobson enters the pearly gates of heaven, I’d like to imagine my beloved husband Leo greeting him there – welcoming him into the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you, Father . . . (Col. 3:17)

Bee

After 38 years of marriage, we owe so much to your dad, Ryan, and the positive influence he had in our lives for spiritual growth individually, marriage counseling and ministry, and our attempt to help raise another godly generation! 35 people are in our crew, and 3 more will be added too, I hope. We could NOT have done it without him, and I pray God will raise others to take his place! The world still needs more men like him! God bless you as you grieve his absence and celebrate his gain! Biggest hugs to all of you!

Ronald and Joyce

Prayers from my heart for Dr. Dobson’s beloved wife Shirley, his dear children and grandchildren, and all of his family and friends all over the world. I know he will be greatly missed by all of us! In 1979, I was newly married and living in California. I loved listening to Dr. Dobson on Focus on the Family whenever I could. I learned so much from him and the guests on his program. He taught me how to love and respect my husband, and later, when children came along, he taught me so much about parenting, all from a biblical perspective. Dr. Dobson also had such a wonderful sense of humor. He was a lifeline for me on weathering the storms of life, marriage, and parenting with faith and trust in a mighty God who made us and loves with an everlasting love through Jesus our Savior! I can’t wait to be able to talk with him in Heaven someday and share how much I have thanked our God for him and his precious family. God hold you all in His care, Mrs. Dobson, and all of your sweet family. What a blessing you all are to so many!

Tracey

Dr. Dobson had a profound impact on me as a young wife and mother in the ’90s and beyond. Through his books and broadcasts, I learned so much that has enriched my life and the lives of my children and husband. I am saddened at his passing but joyful that he will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” May he rest in peace.

Cheryl

What a glory to behold as Jesus welcomed Dr. Dobson into his heavenly kingdom. I praise your name, Great God of Heaven, to provide such a faithful person to help struggling families learn to become closer to the image of the family you desire. To be strong in you, Father. To love and bring our daughters through the many phases of their lives. I relied so much on Dr. Dobson’s advice as a young working mother. And my heart is filled with thanks for all he gave to me and to so many. May peace like a river flow to Shirley and his entire family.

Kathy

When I was a young mom, the words and wisdom of James Dobson and Focus on the Family always set my feet back on a solid path, The LORD. I am almost 70 yrs old now, and I am still thankful for Dr. Dobson and how he encouraged me to stand firmly in Christ. So many times I was discouraged as a mom of 4 littles and Dobson’s words would get my focus on Christ instead of my circumstances. Thank you! He will be missed but praise the Lord we know we will see him again.

Lavonna

Dr. Dobson truly was a man of conviction and commitment! I first came to know him by reading a Focus on the Family magazine on the topic of euthanasia. Shortly after, I came across a Focus broadcast via AM 1190, WBMJ, San Juan, PR, early in the ’90s, where I listened every day at 9am and 6pm, during my commute. I learned so much from him. Since then, I’ve loved him and Shirley.

Oscar A

Dr. Dobson was an important voice in my husband’s and my lives as we raised our two children. We read his books, listened to his radio show, and discussed it with others. As a result, we were educated, enriched, and encouraged in raising our children for God’s glory. Dr. Dobson was willing to enter the fray, say what needed to be said to make a difference in our homes, churches, and nation. Thank you, Dr. Dobson. We look forward to meeting you one day! May your blessing and peace be upon the Dobson family as they adjust to their loss. Though never having met you all, we love you!

Cheryl

My heart goes out to the Dobsons! I came from a Jewish atheistic background, but, praise God, I got saved when I was 26. Growing up, my father wasn’t around; my mom was abusive, and my brothers and I were latch-key kids. I was blessed in the late ’80s and into the ’90s with raising 2 boys. I was a first-generation Christian, and it was Dr. Dobson’s guidance that helped me raise 2 of the most amazing Christian boys ever! The boys were raised on the Bible, prayer, Dr Dobson’s wisdom, and, of course, Adventures in Odyssey. He was a spiritual father for me. Thank you for sharing him with the world. What an incredible legacy he leaves behind! 😭

Daile

We extend our condolences to the Dobson family as they grieve the loss of Dr. James Dobson. Dr. Dobson has had such an indelible impact on so many lives, it is hard to imagine the world without him. Along with us, millions of people love this man who they heard speak on the radio, but never met in person. Dr. Dobson will be sorely missed. There is a great reunion coming for all those who are saved by the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ. What a day that will be!

Carl and Luci

God bless this wonderful man and his family! And many thanks to his family for sharing him with the rest of us. I learned so much as a young parent from his wisdom, and hopefully passed that on to my kids. I know he is in the presence of our Lord, but I can’t help but feel I have lost a friend.

Vicky

Small is the class of alumni that God has elected to have a global impact for the cause of Christ, and all the aspects associated with this mission designed to bring Him glory. Godly and real men having borne names like John the Baptist, Paul the Apostle, Martin Luther, Billy Graham, and James Dobson. The impact Dr. Dobson and Shirley had on my life began in 1995 when I fell in love with Jesus and a good friend lead me to the Focus on the Family ministry. Dr. Dobson’s impact on our family is immeasurable as my wife and I adopted the Christ-centered principles he espoused for marriage, child-rearing, and the precious unborn he so faithfully championed. His legacy is huge and will endure the annals of earthly time, but more importantly the glory he brought to our Savior will endure forever. I wish I could be there to hear Jesus welcome Dr. Dobson into His presence, and those awesome words, “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of your Master”. Thank you Father for blessing so many through Dr. Dobson and the Dobson family.

Carlos

Dr. Dobson graduated from our hometown of San Benito, Texas. I loved listening to Focus on the Family, his radio show. He will be missed, but he will be rejoicing with our Heavenly Father. Condolences to his loved ones. 🙏❤️

Anna

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Dr. Dobson on his Focus on the Family radio show on my commute in the morning going on my sales calls. He had words of wisdom and was entertaining as well! Peace to his family at this time.

Michael

I am 71 yrs old. I’ve never been able to acquire wealth, but what I have is a memory of seeking Jesus. All else has failed, the most basic of hopes in family and career. However, during the 90s, I was buoyed in hope for ten years at least by his Focus on the Family radio program. Whit’s End was a pivotal part of my life until 2000 when moving to Florida somehow interfered with radio reception. Dr. Dobson was my pastor and his ministry my church. He is the only thing that kept me in the fold. He used to write letters to each of us, sometimes personally. I carried those letters with me every time I moved to a new rented room. I no longer have them, as storage was too expensive, but they will always be in my heart. He even responded to my discovery of the childhood trauma that forever scarred my life. I have said for years he is the only thing that Jesus used to stop America from completely eroding in his stance to keep congress honest, even shutting the down the phone banks of congress with his exhortation to listeners to call congress. Thank you for continuing his legacy. Blessings in Liberty.

Herb

My heart was always moved while listening to Focus on the Family. I never wanted to miss it! I learned so much from all the information given through this wonderful man of God. The interviews and current news of the day regarding the family and daily life are really a part of my Christian foundation to this day. I loved Dr. and Mrs. Dobson, and my heart goes out to all their family. I do rejoice that this man of God is standing in the presence of our Almighty God.

Fran

My heart is broken, knowing that a man who made such an impact on my life and the lives of my family is gone from this earth. I have always said that anything I did right in regards to raising my children as Christians and being any kind of a decent wife can be attributed to Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family. He has given help to people who have been walking around on this earth, who take God and his principles seriously and live them out in their day-to-day lives. I know God used him and his willingness to serve in the lives of millions of people, and I pray that they will continue to be blessed with all the material that he produced in his life. What a wonderful time it must be for him in heaven, I pray for his family and loved ones to be comforted.

Leah

Dr. Dobson was a very nice man. I loved listening to him.

melvin

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

Shirley & family, Jim was always very precious to my family. I used Danae’s putting her foot on the basketball court sideline many times as a pastor. Shirley, you stopped by our home and visited Norma shortly before she passed away in 2011. Jim’s dad was my son’s art professor at MANC. One day at Eastborough, the congregation knelt to pray. Jim was keeling in the aisle beside his usual seat, and I laid my hand on his shoulder. God answered a prayer that day. I never knew what it was, but great servants always need support. My hugs to you all. Pastor Ray Lane (long retired)

Pastor Ray Lane

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