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

Dear Shirley, Danae, Ryan and family, as I just read of Dr. Dobson‘s passing, I have to tell you I feel like I just lost a father. The influence and investment that he made in the life of my family and others is hard to put into words. I thank God for his life and ministry! I can’t wait to meet him in person one day!

Kay

The world has lost, and heaven has gained, a most beloved man of God. No words can describe the impact he has had on my life and the lives of so many others! My dad passed in January of this year (his mom’s name also happened to be Myrtle!), and my husband died at the end of 2023; I know the loss. May God comfort you all and hold you close in the blessed hope of seeing your beloved again. Many prayers, Lauri

Lauri

Dr. Dobson has been a constant in my life through radio since 1983. Through his ministry I have overcome many obstacles. His ministry helped lead me through raising my children as a married woman and then as a single mom after a divorce. He encouraged me in my faith with godly, biblical values. Although I made many mistakes, his ministry was always there to help me through them. Of all the great pioneers in the faith that passed away in my lifetime, the homegoing of Dr. Dobson has had the deepest impact on me. I know, though, that in the presence of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, he is at peace and face to face with the one he represented these 89 years. His legacy will live on through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. I cherish each time I got to hear Dr. Dobson on the radio or read one of his books. I am praying for his precious wife Shirley, their two children Danae and Ryan, and grandchildren. In addition, Shirley is an example of a godly woman. I will also pray for this ministry and continue to support it as I am able. May God bless JDFI, the Dobson family. Although his voice is not present to uphold families as he has done for decades, I know this ministry will continue in what he envisioned, to be an advocate for the family and biblical principles, even in these last days. Your friend forever, Russie Oaks

Russie

I thank God for the life and ministries of Dr. Dobson and his family. The positive influence he has had to help families thrive and follow Jesus for so many years has been a wonderful blessing. So many, like me, come from single-parent homes, and Dr. Dobson was so helpful to point me in the direction to follow Jesus as a parent, wife, and person. Being a parent is not for cowards! Thank you, Dr. Dobson and Dobson family, for your loving obedience and service. Keeping Shirley Dobson and family in prayer. Much love and thankfulness.

Rebecca

My wife Debbie and I were married in 1977, the year Dr. James Dobson started his ministry “Focus on the Family.” We raised our daughters, drawing from Dr. Dobson’s wisdom, advice, and timely books as we worked our way through the early years of marriage and child-rearing. We are forever grateful for the Christ-like example that Dr. Dobson exemplified and his love for and devotion to Shirley and their children. May the good Lord comfort this gracious Dobson family. We love you. Charles & Debbie Garrett

Charles

Very sad news! My fondest memory was when I was installing a network system in his office and had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Dobson. It was our conversation that brought me back to faith. As a combat veteran who felt lost in terms of my faith, our 30-minute conversation changed my life forever. May he rest in peace.

Joseph

As I reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. His voice and the ministry he founded, Focus on the Family, deeply shaped my life, especially in my early years as a young wife and mother. In a world full of noise and confusion, his wisdom brought clarity. His compassion brought hope. Through radio broadcasts, books, and resources, I was strengthened, equipped, and reminded that biblical values still matter, particularly within the walls of my home. His teachings helped me love more intentionally, parent more prayerfully, and trust God more fully with the precious calling of family. Dr. Dobson didn’t just speak about family – he championed it! He reminded us that God’s design is beautiful and worth fighting for. I’m just one of countless lives touched by his obedience to that call. I honor his life today with deep respect and even deeper gratitude. And I lift his family in prayer, especially his beloved wife Shirley, that the Lord will surround them with comfort and peace. “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). #DrJamesDobson #FocusOnTheFamily #LegacyOfFaith #ChristianMarriage #BiblicalParenting #FamilyMatters #FaithfulServant #ThankYouDrDobson

Barbara Ann

I’m sure Dr. Dobson is with our Lord in perfect peace and health! His ministry and programs on WNKJ-FM helped me and taught me valued wisdom for over 35 years. He also taught me to stand politically for what God demands. Prayers for his family. Great man of God! Debbie Smith

Deborah

God has used Dr. Dobson in our 54 years of marriage, especially since our coming to Christ in 1976. His ongoing ministry through radio broadcasts and books made a tremendous impact in our marriage and the raising of our two children! Our love and prayers are for Shirley and their children. What a gift Dr. Dobson has been to our society! May God continue to use his ministry through generations.

Bill and MaryLou

I am sad for our world that Dr Dobson is gone. His presence made me feel like there was still some sanity here. What a difference-maker he was – he made a difference for me. He was the “third parent” as we raised our children. I am forever grateful. I know he is in the presence of the Lord, and for that I am also grateful. What a glorious day it is for him! Thank you to the whole Dobson family, for all that you have given in the name of Jesus. ❤️

Jennifer

God’s calling on our lives is to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Mk. 16:15). “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into My rest” (Matt. 25:23). Our adult children’s childhood memories: “Odyssey by the fire in the winter”- Hannah. “He made an impact in a lot of lives. Lots of evenings spent playing with Legos and listening to Adventures in Odyssey”- Britton. Thank you for a life well lived for Him. Thank you for your faithfulness. – Theresa

Theresa

Dr. Dobson has such a tremendous positive influence for many believers with his words of wisdom and encouragement. I know he is with his Savior, and I sincerely believe he was received with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Jesse

Thank you, Lord, for the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson – a man whose Christian service and influence will live on and who was on this earth for such a time as this. I am a cradle Catholic and love my Catholic faith. There are a few faithful Christian leaders whom I respect, admire, and whose work I have followed. Dr. Dobson is one of them. Being a military family, Colorado Springs was a short one-year assignment for us, and while stationed there I brought our 3 children to Focus on the Family as often as possible. Adventures in Odyssey was a staple on long car rides. We especially loved the American historic adventures. We are passionate pro-life supporters and are thankful for Dr. Dobson’s solid stance on this moral issue. Again, we believe he was here on earth for these times to give witness to the timeless truth of the sacredness and sanctity of each and every human person. Our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Dobson’s family and friends, and our sincere appreciation for a life well lived as a good and faithful servant to the Lord. Certainly the angels are celebrating, and we hope to all celebrate with him in eternity in praise and worship of our Creator.

Kelly

Dr. Dobson was one of the many driving forces behind me becoming a writer, and sharing my parents caregiving story called Caregiver Disciple. While not yet published, I continue undeterred and share it via email pdf. Thank you, Dr. Dobson. Rest well in your safe harbor of Heaven’s glory.

John

What a humble example and legacy you’ve created for God’s kingdom here on earth and in eternity. We mourn with your family and for our loss here in this earthly realm, but we fully celebrate as Christ-followers that you have seen Him face to face. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Jon Mike

What a blessing Dr. Dobson was! I respect and value his teachings and his way of life. He was a godly man whose life reflected his love for his God and his family. I am so thankful for the mark he left on my life. I wish I had known him personally. To have a father like him must have been a true blessing and gift! Lord, please comfort Shirley, their kids and grandkids, and everyone else who loved him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Vanessa

Dr. James Dobson’s books The Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, and The New Dare to Discipline were instrumental in the raising of our boy. The Lord used Dr. Dobson to impart words of wisdom during a challenging time in our lives. Today our son is a tenderhearted man and successful student working on his Master’s Degree. So glad Dr. Dobson allowed God to use him in that way, impacting so many families.

Philip and Marjorie

I was married in 1983, and we welcomed our first of four daughters in 1984. The Focus on the Family radio broadcast with Dr. Dobson was a staple in our house every day, with even Odyssey playing each Saturday during chore time. I still tell my four daughters they were raised on Dr. Dobson’s “Strong-Willed Child” book! We learned so many things over the years, from broadcasts and books, to stand strong as a family in regard to our faith, our nation, and for Jesus Christ. Now with 12 grandchildren, I have given my daughters (and many others) the updated Strong-Willed Child, Parenting Isn’t for Cowards, and many of Dr. Dobson’s other books to guide them through their parenting and marriage journey. I often shared Dr. Dobson’s emails, articles, podcasts, etc. with family and friends because they are very powerful with solid biblical truths for each of us on this journey of life. My husband was a pastor for 41 years until he went home to be with the Lord in 2023. We used many of Dr. Dobson’s resources over the years in ministry – too many to recall. Still, for me as a widow, I have found strength and encouragement in the Lord with Dr. Dobson’s Family Talk radio. He and his family followed God’s calling to serve the Lord, which resulted in many coming to know Christ as Savior and also to bring encouragement for living the truth of the Word of God on this earth, until we pass away or He returns. We thank you! Dr. Dobson will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they grieve the loss of husband, dad, grandpa – yet, knowing the blessed hope of God’s promises, they will see him again in heaven with our Savior.

Cheree

What a blessing it has been to be on the earth at the same time Dr. Dobson was living. I can’t even imagine how wonderful is this moment in heaven. I was able to read my first book that truly impacted my life at the age of 17 while my parents were having some marriage issues, and it helped me tremendously to not only understand them but to make sure my marriage would be different. Since then, Dr. Dobson helped me with my marriage, parenting, and so many other phases in my life through his books, podcasts, and many more materials. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us and making this world a little better for many and a lot better for me!

Julieta

Back in 1988, while going through a difficult time, I began listening to Christian radio, hoping to find something to help ease my mind. I came across Dr. James Dobson’s show, and found a man who was well-spoken and kind (but strong), and unwavering in his Christian beliefs. Listening to his show led me to other Christian radio shows that were very helpful, such as Dr. D. James Kennedy’s Truths That Transform, and through that I began hearing that Jesus Christ had died for my sins. I realized that that was how bad my sins were (to require the death of the Son of God to pay for them), but also that that was how much Jesus loved me, to die in my place. It completely changed my life. I became a Christian in the fall of 1988, and my life has never been the same. I gained much, in many ways, from listening to Dr. Dobson’s show, and from other aspects of his ministry over the years. I still look back at the impact he had on me, and remember that my “coming to the Lord” began with him. I would love to know what he sees now, being in Heaven with Jesus. May God bless Dr. James Dobson’s legacy and the ongoing ministry of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Jeff

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