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

Dr. Dobson provided me with hope and faith as a new mother, sharing a perspective that was not commonly found. His core Christian faith and work enabled me to think beyond what culture surrounded me with, and promoted reasoning in line with my faith in God’s Word. He enabled me to center my home and family with ease and hope, turning my children to Jesus each day. His work also impacted my classroom teaching in the public schools, as I modeled my work after his with students and struggling parents. God bless my friend by radio. In Jesus is all his hope and glory. I’m thankful for you, Dr. Dobson – see you soon in eternity!

Carol

Dr. Dobson’s many books and video series have been an extremely valuable resource for my pastoral ministry over the past nearly 40 years! I have recommended his books to many parents as they sought wise counsel on raising their children. Thank you, Dr. Dobson! Thank you to Shirley and family for your sacrificial support of this most godly man.

Richard

In 1982, I had just become a Christian. I was a flight attendant for Continental Airlines. On June 19th, I was home & watched Dr. Dobson on TV talking about fatherhood, since the next day was Father’s Day. After watching, I was heading back to my room, and I fell to my knees & prayed; now that I knew God’s love, I wanted to share that with someone. That prayer became a seed in my heart, and 24 hours later I met my James on a flight. That seed kept me stable to marry him, & we celebrate 43 years in September. We have listened to Dr. Dobson all through these 43 years with such appreciation & application. We praise God for him & Shirley. Heaven is richer now, but he leaves an unfillable void here on earth. My deepest sympathies to Shirley, the family, & all the others who love him.

Cris

Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for pressing through, and pressing on, to the upward calling in Christ Jesus. Your sacrifice, and Shirley’s and your children’s, will live on forevermore. Hallelujah!

Mary Ellen

Dr. James Dobson was very helpful as my son was growing up. While reading “The Strong-Willed Child,” I was sure he was writing about my son. This helped me understand and work with my son through the years. I now have a grandson who is just like him. Eight or nine years ago, I sponsored my grandson’s birthday at my house. I had yellow “Do Not Cross” ribbons around the edge of my property, and the children were told not to cross the ribbon. At one point, I saw my grandson approach the ribbon, and I watched as he turned to me and lifted the ribbon and crossed it. Sound familiar? I did take the appropriate action, and, even today, he will not disobey Grammy!

Denice

Dr. Dobson walked alongside me, via radio programs, books, and CDs, to navigate strong-willed children, prodigals, and marriage struggles. As a new believer, Dr. Dobson helped me grow and teach my children according to God’s Word and, most important, to stand for biblical principles, regardless of the cost. What a void he will leave here on earth, but “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints”(Psalm 116:15). Our loss is heaven’s gain. I can’t wait to meet him and let him know what a HUGE impact he had on my life!

Sandra

I am thankful to the Lord for calling Dr. Dobson and lending him to us, teaching practical ways of walking out our faith in Jesus. I pray the Holy Spirit will comfort the Dobson family and the body of Christ at this time.

Stacey

In the 1990s, Dr. Dobson’s program was a lifeline for me as a struggling and lonely young wife and mother. I listened to his program day after day to gain the encouragement I needed to stay in my marriage and invest my love and energy into our little family. My husband and I are coming up on our 40th anniversary. Our marriage is in a much better place all these years later! The Lord used Dr. Dobson and his well-chosen guest speakers on Focus on the Family to foster growth in me and point me in a good direction. In part, I credit his intentional love of family for our milestone anniversary.

Cheryl

I have no profound words. Dr. Dobson was a guest in my home via radio for many years, and his books, especially _Love Must Be Tough_, gave me spiritual guidance through many tough times. He was like a kind, wise uncle, dispensing wisdom with compassion and humor. My local radio station changed their line-up, so I had not heard him in a long time, but I still revisit the books and broadcast tapes that got me through many long car trips. While I am saddened that he has left us, it is hard to be too sad, because I know that he has gone on to a glorious meeting with the Lord he served so well. I have no doubt he was greeted with, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Rest easy in the arms of Jesus, Dr. Dobson.

Winona

It’s the 1970s – I’m loving life and loving my young sons. I’m looking for definitive direction on being a parent. Enter “Dare to Discipline“ and my lifelong love, respect, and listening to Dr. Dobson in any way I could. I still have that worn book; it’s as true today as it was then. I’ve read almost all of his books and been a continual radio listener to this day. He, albeit unknowingly, was with me through a gut-wrenching divorce and the deaths of my family. I will rejoice to walk with my friend in heaven.

BelvaLee

My wife and l are so very sad to hear of Dr Dobson’s passing. We’ll remember the fun times we had visiting Focus on the Family with our daughters. l will always look up to him as a role model for husbands and fathers – and the sound advice contained within his many books. He was a guiding light to many Americans and to the world, and l am sure he’ll be sadly missed. We give our love and best wishes to Shirley, Danae, and Ryan and his family, and know that now he is in a better place. God’s blessings – from Peter and Hazel Tunbridge, Ringwood, Hampshire, England.

Peter

“Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed.” My children were born in the late ’70s, just about the time Dr. Dobson started FOTF. I faithfully listened to his program every morning. His advice helped me “train up my sons in the way they should go.” His guests were so wonderful. One in particular was Fern Nichols of Moms In Touch. I was led to start an MIT prayer group, and we prayed our children through elementary all the way through high school. I loved that he not only had serious guests but lighthearted ones as well (like Ken Davis), who also taught us all so much. Once again I say, I’m thankful that Dr. Dobson gave to the Lord; he changed so many lives.

Debi

My mom was saved.

Anna

I am thankful for Dr. Dobson’s faithfulness in following God’s call to help families. We grew up listening to him on the radio. He was a tremendous help to my parents in raising five godly & productive children, & the legacy goes on. I used his resources & wisdom in raising my 2 children, & now my daughter is using them to raise my 2 grandchildren. Thank you to the family for supporting Dr. Dobson’s ministry & contributing to his success in following God’s call. You will be in my thoughts & prayers. Thank you, Lord, for sending Dr. Dobson to serve at just the right time & using him to share Your truth & wisdom with a hurting world.

Ruth

Our family has followed Dr. Dobson from the beginning of Focus on the Family. What a dear, smart, sweet man of God, and what a legacy he has left! We have truly been blessed with all he shared. God bless Shirley, Danae, and Ryan and family as they celebrate the life of Dr. Dobson – we are praying for them. ❤️

Jodie

Reflecting on the life of Dr. Dobson, I remember the first time that I heard of him was through the Adventures in Odyssey program, which highlighted common everyday situations that we go through in our lives. It focused on real problems and brought answers for our thinking and actions. My children and I, along with my wife, would sit and listen to every program that we could. “AIO” was a great vehicle for communicating godly lessons for influencing listeners like us. I remember one story about the little boy who was throwing a fit. When his father saw this, he got down on the floor and threw one with him. In this episode, the little boy stopped his fit-throwing. We learned that, when you wiggle around on the floor like this, it never gets anything done – but it will get you into trouble. Through all of the ways Dr. Dobson ministered to the family, he was a true and loyal man.

Gary

Dr. Dobson & his family have had such an impact on me – ever since I was born again. I have so appreciated his daily talk shows from Focus on the Family up through Family Talk. I leaned on his advice as I became newly married and then began raising kids. He has been such a positive voice and a gift that God gave us. The impact from Dr. Dobson and his ministries is incalculable. God bless you, Dobson family, as you go through this time. We know that he is with Lord God Almighty. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” We should all continue to encourage others . . . to “be there.” With love, the Weilers

Matt

At 60 years old now, I will say that Dr. Dobson and how he supported me through Focus on the Family in my younger days, was a stronghold for me in my marriage and in raising my children. In fact, I still have an article about international adoption from FOF, and God used it as a tool to lead us in adopting our two daughters from China. All his books were powerful and a blessing to me. They were “truth.” I’ve always considered him one of my American heroes because of his high-level impact on families. My heart is saddened at his earthly departure but oh so happy for his entrance to his heavenly home. Prayers for the family.

Sherri

I am so happy to know this godly man is now with our Lord! He endured to the end as trials came. I am so thankful for his life and his surrender to the Father, Savior, and Holy Spirit. May his family and his Family Talk ministry continue in faith and in joy for all the Lord Jesus has done through him for us who were led to a higher calling because of him.

Wrenn

I am so so very sorry for this loss. Dr. Dobson was a champion for life – and I spent many trips back to the Focus on the Family campus for CPC Director retreats back in the day and was involved in the first and only research on the life movement with Focus and Family Research Council back in the late ’90s and early 2000s. My heart breaks for my precious friends Marlene & John Strege and their “baby” Hannah Strege, now a gorgeous young woman (Dr. Dobson was her godfather) – the first Snowflake family (frozen embryo adoption). The amazing reach of that family was greatly shaped by his influence. Dr. Dobson just touched so many lives – and my heart hurts for the many friends who were close to him. I’m certainly praying for the family and all his friends. We all know that he has now heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and we rejoice for him – but hurt for those here. What an amazing impact of his life! The work Dr. Dobson did for the pregnancy centers was unparalleled. He was our champion and led the way in funding and resources. I remember one CPC Director conference; we were presenting the results of our research efforts on CPC effectiveness and also a study on adoption. Dr. Dobson made it a priority to make it to the conference to speak with us. As he was also sitting on a board combating crime and mafia and had a full contingency of security around him, he casually explained that going up against evil brings attempts on his life – so matter of fact as he shared (lol). I knew then this was a WARRIOR for justice who was living for the Lord. This is a HUGE loss for us here – and heaven’s great gain.

Dr. Dana S.

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