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.

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Recent Tributes

Our first son was born in 1982. His early years is when I discovered Dr. James Dobson, along with his wise counsel for raising our three sons and building a strong marriage. I owe so much to him for that. What a legacy he leaves behind! God bless his family, and may his ministry continue.

Esther

I’m so thankful I found Dr. Dobson on the radio. I’ve learned so much and ordered lots of CDs. Very thankful I ordered his last book, Your Legacy; it came a few weeks before he went home, so it’s extra special to me. Please make bookmarks so we can have them for his books. Thank you.

Tracey

~A penny for your thoughts~♥️ Dr. James Dobson has been like a dear friend to me for over 40 years. Here are my thoughts: Dr. James Dobson has been one of my top 10 heroes for over 40 years. When I started listening to Focus on the Family, raising my children as a new Christian single mom, it felt like I was in the middle of an ocean, treading water, trying to keep my three children from drowning in a sea of despair, poverty, and brokenness. However, Dr. Dobson has been for me a mentor, teacher, role model, and inspiration to be the best mother I could possibly be. Dr. Dobson taught me to stand up for righteousness and to be an advocate for biblically based mental health. Through his work and legacy, Dr. Dobson has been a true fighter for faith, family, and freedom. His bright light will continue to shine as he passes the torch on to those who are willing to continue the fight for absolute truth. I am forever grateful to the Lord for Dr. James C. Dobson, who is like a Paul Revere, sounding the alarm to WAKE UP, AMERICA, AND STAND FOR TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, FAMILY, AND FREEDOM, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! ♥️🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸♥️ ~a penny for your thoughts~

Penny

No one influenced my parenting more than Dr James Dobson. He spoke of the beauty of parenting so highly that we believed it truly was our highest calling. The joy in raising my three beautiful daughters to know and love the Lord was a heartfelt result of all the time Dr. Dobson poured into us sometimes-tired moms through his wonderful books and radio shows when we had little ones. He always reminded us that the years fly by and to enjoy the childhood years. He helped me realize I had the rest of my life to work outside the home, but my children only had one childhood, and I could not get the years back. I left my job in corporate America, working in management for a high tech company, and I never looked back. Every sacrifice we made God more than made up for over the years. Today, my daughters love the Lord, and they are not afraid to stand for God’s priceless truth in this darkened world. Praise be to God for men like Dr. James Dobson! I prayed for his safety and the safety of his family over the years as he was willing to stand for truth no matter the personal cost. He was an enormous hero of the faith, a man I have greatly admired, and who is already missed more than words can say. But because of his commitment to writing down what God led him to, future generations will be able to benefit, as my family did. I am praying for you, Shirley, and your entire family as you mourn so great a loss. You are a beautiful and loved family!

Carrie

I felt like I had lost a dear friend when I heard of Dr. Dobson‘s passing! I made that comment to my daughter-in-law, and she said she felt the same way. I first found Christian radio when the empty nest happened. I leaned on it to keep my mind on God and his truth! Dr. Dobson‘s Focus on the Family was one of the programs that I especially liked. I always felt he had solid, biblical advice about life and relationships, and his advice was worth taking to heart! Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for being such a help to me through some very difficult times.

Phyllis

I started listening to some of the Focus on the Family broadcasts when I was in high school, and Dr. Dobson was advocating homeschooling and a book by Raymond and Dorothy Moore called Better Late Than Early. It made an impression on me. As a result of this, my children were homeschooled and did very well academically, thanks to that influence. I met Dr. Dobson when I was 27 years old and had challenged him to a basketball game. When I arrived, I was the only African-American there. He sought me out to come down to his court and play the next game. (I remember thinking that I don’t think I would have had the character to interrupt my game to reach out to someone else who had walked into my church gymnasium and was a stranger.) He didn’t know that I was the physician who had challenged him. It told me that he was not prejudiced. Later, he invited me to interview/participate in his Physician’s Advisory Council. We shared stories about personal heart attacks. When he called me after his heart attack, somehow he found me even though I was working in the ICU, at the naval hospital in Guam. Some years later, when I had a heart attack, I had a chance to speak to him, even though he was on a writing trip and didn’t normally take phone calls during that time. I shared with him a book called Reversing Your Heart Disease by Dr. Dean Ornish. I think it may have been a factor in the fact that he became vegetarian. I believe that it extended his life. Long before some people had accused him of only being concerned about unborn babies, and not children who were already here, Jim and Shirley demonstrated love and caring by adopting Ryan. And this was also before starting a program that recommended that churches should adopt kids out of the foster care system. Once when I was meeting with him in his office about a serious personal issue, he received a phone call from Ryan and told his secretary that, unless it was an emergency, he would have to call him back. That he would give me the priority of the moment, despite a phone call from his son, told me a lot about his character. When we had a physician’s conference, and a group that I sang with gave a concert of hymns and African-American spirituals, he asked us privately to sing one of the songs again, and he sang with us. We shared these and other memories. May God bless Shirley, Ryan, and Danae as they deal with this tremendous loss. We can all thank God that we can look forward to heaven where we will not suffer these losses.

Doug

Thank you so much, Dr. Dobson, for the impact you left on millions – of which I am one. Reading your books was always a pleasure because of the biblically sound and balanced approach you have taken on matters. Words cannot express the blessing you have been. I look forward to saying thank you in person when we meet before Jesus. I pray God’s comfort and presence for the family during this time. Thank you once again! Niyi

Niyi

When we were living in the desert, God began my walk. I used to listen to Dr. James Dobson, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Kay Arthur, and John MacArthur every day. I would take notes, and God was touching my heart and feeding my spirit, and it was awesome! I did that for several years. He had brought me back to Dr. Dobson recently, and I started listening to his podcasts and ordering his books. I was being so blessed again. I was so grateful that he was still helping us, but my heart just broke when I heard he went home. I shouted “Hallelujah!” for him, but I was miserable for us. 😢 I can’t wait until we’re all together again, and I can hug him and thank him in person! I can’t wait until my heart stops grieving. 💔 If there was ever a time that we needed godly men like Dr. Dobson, it’s now. But God is good, and He is well able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond all that we could dare hope, think, or ask. Thank you so much, God, and thank you, Dr. Dobson. 🥲

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Dr. James Dobson and all the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.~Amen~

Mary

My first encounter with Dr. Dobson was at the age of 27, when a senior friend and mentor gave me a copy of his book, Straight Talk to Men. At the time, I was still single, but that book marked the beginning of a lifelong influence. Since then, I have read his works and listened to him regularly, and much of what I call my personal value system has been shaped by his teachings. Every time I heard him speak, I was challenged to grow and to live with greater purpose. Together with a group of friends here in Nigeria, I have spent many hours reviewing and discussing Dr. Dobson’s books. His wisdom has been a great gift to me and my family. His passing is not just a personal loss, but a loss to humanity. The comfort I hold onto is that he is now with the Master. Until we meet again, Dr. Dobson, so I can tell you in person just how much of a blessing you were to me.

Busayo

I listened to Dr. Dobson over the radio while working in my kitchen. I used to think what a privilege it would be to work at Focus on the Family. Later in my life, I had a call from God and attended Nazarene Bible College, where I had the opportunity to become a temporary employee at Focus on the Family when they first moved to Colorado Springs. I continued working there part-time all through college and full-time for two years after graduation. God blessed me as I worked in this ministry and waited for Him to open a door in pastoral ministry. Those years working for Focus on the Family are very precious memories for me! It was even an added blessing of being able to speak with Dr. Dobson and shake his hand a few times. In drawing from the Scriptures, he brought God-breathed words to so many who needed to hear them! May his recordings and writings continue to bless people, and may God continue to bless his family!

Charlene

When I was between semesters at the university, I would turn on the radio and listen to Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. I loved hearing the inspiration, testimonies, life stories, and biblical speaking. It left a profound impact on my life that I will never forget. I will always remember the perseverance his guests exemplified. Thank you, Dr. Dobson!

Nathan

Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for loving families, marriages, and babies/children. Your radio messages and publications were and still are a blessing to me. I can’t wait to meet you in Heaven.

Maria

My condolences are with Dr. Dobson’s family. He meant so much to my father, Dr. James Getzen (actually his MD in Arcadia). My dad is in heaven and is there to greet Dr. Dobson. It’s hard to say goodbye, but my dad and God are saying, “Hello, and welcome.” They are now there to welcome us home when it’s our time. Much love and thanks to you for sharing your husband, Shirley, and to the rest of your family.

Victoria

Dr . Dobson has been part of my life for the last 20 years. Before going to bed, I have listened to his program, and many times over and over again! The world was so blessed to have him! He was an example of a godly father, godly husband, and godly man. How blessed was Shirley to have him as a husband and also his children to have him as their father. I will miss him very much! I am so thankful for everything, his having had an impact on so many lives!

Edna

A truly great man, Dr. Dobson was a beacon of hope and light in these dark days. He helped us raise our kids and have a Christian family. He helped us understand each other and keep on loving each other. He encouraged me as a young mom that I was doing something valuable and essential in raising our kids. I’ve listened on the radio for years-and now internet. The world has lost a truly great man. We love you, Dr. Dobson.

Kathy

I can’t remember a time in my Christian life without the influence of Dr. James Dobson. I became a believer in 1977 upon graduating from high school. I went to work in the Christian radio industry as a deejay, and had the privilege of promoting Focus on the Family and Dr. Dobson’s books for decades on the air. I made the pilgrimage to Colorado Springs a few years ago, attending a production workshop for radio. I got to sit in Dr. Dobson’s chair, and tour the beautiful headquarters of FOTF. Everyone who worked there was so happy to be there, and felt a deep calling to serve the Lord in this ministry. What a culture of hope and joy. I even got to do a little work for Focus as a producer. The book “Love Must Be Tough” was my lifeline when I experienced betrayal and loss of a marriage. His daily radio program and practical biblical wisdom provided guidance and refuge for me as I navigated family challenges. I have referred numerous friends to the ministry of Focus on the Family and to Dr. Dobson’s books as they, too, experienced the ups and downs of life. To this day, I am still talking about Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family, Family Talk, Adventures in Odyssey, as I am still a voice in Christian radio. Dr. Dobson is a treasure to the body of Christ, and to families worldwide. I am so blessed to have had Dr. Dobson “walking with me” all these years. I am a different person, a more healthy, wise, and strong believer because of him. He mentored many of us, and we think of him as a spiritual father. I know I do. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, and everyone in the Focus family for pouring into so many of us, and helping us to grow into spiritual, relational, familial maturity. Well done, and please keep going! I’m still talking about you!

Celeste

I’m so thankful I found Dr. Dobson on the radio. I’ve learned so much and ordered lots of CDs. Very thankful I ordered his last book, Your Legacy; it came a few weeks before he went home, so it’s extra special to me. Please make bookmarks so we can have them for his books. Thank you.

Tracey

I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Dobson’s passing. I feel like I just lost a good friend! Although I am happy for Him, this world will miss his influence and wisdom. I raised my kids listening to his Focus on the Family broadcasts. We still have so many of his tapes and CDs. I have listened to them again and again over the years. They always minister to me. I have to admit, though, out of all the broadcasts I have heard, the one that stands out in my mind is when Ryan asked His dad, “Do worms yawn?” That still makes me smile. I respected him probably more than any other Christian leader in the world – for his godly life, his love for family, and his wisdom and boldness in the midst of this wicked world. Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for everything! And thank you, Shirley, Ryan, and Danae, for sharing him with us. We love you!

Barbara

Growing up in a home where faith was steadfast, yet brokenness abounded, the voice of Dr. Dobson, over the radio and through his books, let me know that there was hope, healing, and “a better way to be a family.” Listening to his broadcasts on our Christian radio station as a young teen gave me hope and a desire to be a Christian counselor. Pursuing that vocation and then serving on Focus’ counseling staff for a year and a half during the mid-’90s was an honor and a privilege. It was also a time of significant healing, which gave me the courage to embrace motherhood and the eventual parenting of 3 beautiful children who are now grown and embracing their own journeys of faith. My husband of 34 years and I now have a grandchild, with another on the way, and I can honestly and wholeheartedly share that Dr. Dobson’s and Shirley’s ministries spurred us on during all of the seasons of sorrow and joy that this life brings. My prayers for his beloved Shirley, Danae, and Ryan as they grieve his passing. He is now part of the “church triumphant,” that beautiful communion of saints, and our hearts both ache yet feel comforted with this faith reality that sustains us during times of sorrow. Until we meet again, Dr. Dobson. I know you were met with rejoicing, joy, and laughter in heaven by Dr. Ogden, Dr. Gatewood, and so many others who were such meaningful mentors to me. Thank you for the courage to answer your calling. We don’t know what we would have done without you.

Veronica