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 made a difference in my life in so many ways – a caring, wise, and godly man. He wrote me when my husband died of cancer, made my book, The Friendships of Women, a best seller, and steered me through motherhood and marriage. I thank God for him. Father, please be with Shirley as only You can. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Dee

I began listening to Dr. Dobson soon after he went on the radio, while I was still in college. I remember Gil Moegerle as the first co-host. I listened for decades and learned so much godly advice for my marriage, parenting, and homeschooling (which I did for 18 years). Dr. Dobson was such a champion for the family and our nation, and I learned so much from him and his guests! Our kids loved the Adventures in Odyssey broadcast also. Our church hosted his film series in the ’80s. I gave his books to each of my kids when they began parenting and have recommended him to many people over the years. We visited the Focus HQ while on a vacation in CO in 2005 and loved it! How inspiring that he is a Christian leader who remained faithful to what he taught and lived it without compromise! Our nation was blessed through his ministry. I pray grace and comfort over Shirley and his family.

Rhonda

Thank God for the wonderful work that was done through Dr. Dobson. His life and ministry have given me an additional means of witnessing God’s faithfulness. Dr. James Dobson’s ministry through Focus on the Family was an integral part of my life. Whatever he did in the name of the Lord was fruitful. I would like to provide an example. In 2006, I was in a difficult situation with my son experiencing bullying at school. I was desperate to find the right way to deal with this matter. I usually listened to Focus on the Family via radio. I had been praying about this matter. I turned the radio on, with hope against hope, to have something for me that day. That specific day, Dr. Dobson had a broadcast about bullying and the steps to deal with the bullying issue. I took the first step of calling the parent. Starting the next day, there was no bullying. In later years, I came to know that God called ‘the bully’ for his ministry, and he became a missionary.

Lali

I was born n 1968. My parents turned on Moody Radio every day while I was growing up. I listened to Dr. Dobson on Focus on the Family, and then later, as an adult, I listened to him on Family Talk. I also read many books that he wrote and that his team recommended. I have been impacted by listening to so many good programs and books with God-centered advice. I am thankful for Dr. Dobson’s hard work and dedication to the gospel. I really appreciate his faithful service over all the years. May the family and close friends be given comfort during this difficult time.

Janice

Dr. Dobson seemed like a prophet, almost as if on par with those in the Old Testament. He was needed in his time, and still is, and I ask God to help JDFI continue challenging the error of our times with God’s timeless principles, and to comfort your team with knowing that when Dr. Dobson hears “well done, good and faithful servant,” the JDFI team hears it spoken to each of you, too, as you work today, this week, this year, and onward. I sensed and appreciated that after founding JDFI, Dr. Dobson grew even bolder in his prophet-like role, while remaining the shepherd he always was. Those are two qualities and gifts rarely found in balance. My appreciation and sympathies to you all at JDFI who sustain what Dr. Dobson started.

Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your tireless work in guiding America, and most likely the world, toward raising godly children. I have been blessed by your programs, from listening as a little child all the way till now. I’m 60 years old. Thank you, sweet family, for supporting your husband and father in his efforts all through the years. May our Father God continue to bless you at this time of both sadness and sweet memories.

Julia

Dr Dobson and his ministry were very influential in our family! He was committed to the Lord and courageous in standing up to many cultural/spiritual controversies throughout his career.

Mary

Neither my husband nor I knew Dr. Dobson personally, but when we married in 2007, we sent Dr. Dobson an invitation to our wedding. Why? Because Dr. Dobson had influenced Jeff and me, individually as single Christians, years before we even met each other. We both enjoyed his radio shows, books, and teachings on how to have a God-focused marriage and parenting life. My precious Jeff moved to Heaven four years ago today, the same day Dr. Dobson entered his eternal life. How fitting. It makes me smile to think that maybe my Jeff (and my mom, who ADORED Dr. Dobson) might have been a part of his welcoming committee. Mom would greet Dr. Dobson with her heavenly zucchini bread, and Jeff has probably already invited Dr. Dobson to join his heavenly softball team. (Oh, how jealous this makes me of Dr. Dobson!) To Mrs. Dobson, Danae, and Ryan – my heartfelt love goes out to you. Sixty-four years is a long time to love someone so well. Mrs. Dobson, may Jesus comfort your heart like never before. Well done, Dr. Dobson! Thank you for investing in the lives of others through your work and example. May God get all the glory!

Shanna

Dr. Dobson has been my source of wisdom and strength (besides the Word of God). His love for Christ and people – and his strength and dedication to preserving family values – are great encouragements to stay strong in this increasing wicked society. My heart broke to learn he has passed. However, I know he is with the LORD now, and I pray his legacy and his impact will live on until the day Jesus Christ returns.

Wanpen

So many years ago, I married an Air Force member and left my parents to go to Germany. I was alone, scared, and just wanted guidance on raising my family. This was long before internet and cell phones, and occasional calls back to the States cost well over $100. Enter the Focus on the Family film series that Dr. Dobson donated to base chapels. To this day, over 40 years later, I can hear him kindly and lovingly teaching me a Christian way to parent. Fast forward to the death of my son. I reached out to the Focus on the Family prayer line and gained comfort in my loss. Thank you, Dr. Dobson. I am just one of thousands whose lives have been touched and made better through your influence. Rest well on that mountain.

Theresa

Dr. Dobson, you are the father we desperately needed! Thank you, sir! You introduced us to Alliance Defending Freedom/Alan Sears and Garden of Life/Jordan Rubin. G.O.L. saved my life! Again, very well done!

Daphie

Beginning as young marrieds, we listened every day to Focus on the Family and were so thankful for the wisdom we received to build strong families. We recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Our four married children have strong families as well. This ministry is so important to carry on.

Marilynn

He was a treasure – a national and international father of pure godliness. I learned parenting from him. I’m glad that his legacy lives on.

Modupe

Dr. Dobson was a huge influence on my family. Growing up, I fondly remember reading Clubhouse magazines, listening to Adventures in Odyssey, reading his books for teens, and hearing my parents tune in to Focus on the Family broadcasts. As an adult, I continued to listen to the broadcasts on the radio as well as dive into his books on raising children. I’ll be forever grateful for his wisdom, warmth, and example as a true man of God!

There were days when just hearing Dr. Dobson talk on the radio made it a better one. I am grateful for that and the grace he shared with us.

J. S.

We have so appreciated Dr. Dobson’s life and influence in the lives of families and the unborn and all who seek to serve Jesus with their lives. His talks and foundation and books have served Jesus in a way that few have. I’m thankful for his life’s work and all he has shared with us. He will be missed, but Jesus has met him there with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Pamela

It is a sad day for us today when Dr. Dobson passed away, but no doubt a great reunion in heaven as he is welcomed with “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Dr. Dobson has been my hero in the mental health field for decades, whether it was listening to him on Focus on the Family radio programs, reading his books, or serving on national committees with him. He was as kind and humble off the camera or radio as on it, and he will be missed, for a while. My prayers go out to Shirley and the family during this hard time. His was a life well lived to the glory of God!

Kenyon

Praise God for the life of James Dobson. As a young wife and new mother 43 years ago, hearing his love of the Lord and parental advice was a lifeline. I am thankful for a life lived in loving the Lord and others. May God bless and comfort his family as they celebrate and honor him.

Kristine

While raising my two sons, I often sought advice and encouragement from Dr. Dobson and his books. I loved his commitment to his faith and family and drew strength and direction from the words of this man and the faith he openly shared. Praying for his family as they grieve this great loss. ❤️❤️

Yvonne

I was so privileged to know Dr. and Mrs. Dobson personally. They attended the same church as my late husband Malcolm, and we had known each other for 30 years at the time Malcolm died in 1997. As a result of marrying Malcolm, I obviously got to know them myself. They sat with us deliberately on their last Sunday in Pasadena, before they moved to Colorado Springs. We were greeters and ushers for at least 12 years, so I am sure Malcolm was at the pearly gates to greet him and usher him into Heaven. I know they are reunited. My heart is crying. My love goes out to Shirley, Danae (who I know will remember Malcolm and me), and Ryan and his family. (Ryan was only in grade school and middle school at the time. He may remember Malcolm, but he probably won’t remember me.) Having just lost my mom in May, with my grief very fresh, I can totally empathize with their loss. And I love them all so much. And I loved Jim so much too. In addition, he helped me out with funeral expenses for Malcolm. I could write a book about his and Malcolm’s love for each other.

Carolyn

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