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

I was heartbroken to hear the news that Dr. James Dobson had left this earth and gone on to his reward with Jesus. It is difficult to lose such an influential man in a world that is so set against our Judeo-Christian heritage. I remember listening to Focus on the Family and learning so much from his programs when I first got saved. And my children loved listening to “Adventures In Odyssey.” He has touched millions of lives for the gospel, and I thank God for him and his unwavering faith to live out the truth. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family. I pray that God will comfort them. I look forward to the day when we will see him in heaven with Jesus.

Jason

As immigrants, our family had a rocky time adjusting to life in the US. As a child, the feeling of not fitting in exacerbated the feelings of loneliness, marginalization, and backwardness. In a culture of strong-voiced, charismatic male personas, Dr. Dobson was not that! He was a gentle, wise, kindhearted, and knowledgeable counselor who offered sound discussions about difficult problems in life that gave audiences this feeling: “by God’s grace, we can make it through this.” When I sat down in quiet evenings to do my homework, I’d turn on the radio and listen to Focus on the Family, and I’d get fatherly wisdom and insight from someone who explained why my life seemed like such a struggle, and he provided biblically sound advice on how to persevere, take heart, be courageous, and aspire for the best that God would bring about in the midst of life circumstances that were meant to train me for my good and His glory. I eventually went to school for a term at his Focus on the Family Institute, which enlarged my mind and provided me a world of mentors and friendships. HQ in CS is a special place. That experience set the vision and trajectory of my urban ministry work today. Focus on the Family is an organizational collaboration of many wonderful believers who shared his vision. We all touch a life, and each person there followed his leadership to do so in the love of Jesus, with wisdom, zeal, and joy. Thank you, Dr. Dobson.

Tony

When I first became a Christian 57 years ago, I learned of Dr. James Dobson’s ministry. His common-sense knowledge surrounding the family and raising children inspired me to get an education in psychology, to help others where I could. As a student of “human behavior,” I was fascinated by his insight. I would say, as have millions of others, that you truly have been a great teacher and mentor. You have given us tools that have helped us in this journey called “life.” Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are now truly receiving your well-earned rewards. One day we will meet again.

Rebecca

When I was 13, the devil told me I was going to die at 20 years old and that I did not need to prepare for any future, such as having a family. Somehow, as a smart but school-failed teenager, I believed it. So, the thought about having a family was negative for me, even though I was attracted to girls. But, to cut the story short, at 20 I did die, but with Christ through the gospel. So, it’s not the way the devil expected. I was an international student from Indonesia in the USA and listened to FOTF daily on WMBI for all the 4 years of my college life. And I continue to listen online (even Family Talk). After I returned to my country, I got married (19 years of marriage now, with 2 kids). Because of listening to Dr. Dobson at the age of 20, I had a positive view about marriage and began preparing for marriage and parenting, even before I got married and became a parent. The last purchase before I returned to my country was a children’s Bible, so I could read it to my future son and daughter. And I did read it to my kids before they went to sleep when they were little. My daughter’s middle name is Danae in honor of Dr. Dobson. It’s impossible to fully describe the impact of his ministry on my marital and parenting life. Thank you for your faithfulness and legacy. Let us take the baton and pass it to the next generation that will raise godly families.

Yudi

“Well done, good and faithful servant” – a life well lived in defense of the family. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Dobson, for sharing Dr. Dobson with the world. What has always separated Dr. Dobson from the rest of his profession is that he was always Christ- and Bible-centered before he got into the “psychological” aspect of the discussion.

Todd

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this extraordinary man known as “Dr. Dobson”? I have been listening to Dr. Dobson since I gave my life to the LORD in the 80s. I have learned so much through the many programs/teachings from his ministry. Since hearing of his homegoing, I’ve had mixed emotions. A part of me is sad, but the other part is so happy for him that he stands before the object of his affection . . . the Almighty! I can only imagine the welcome he received from those gone ahead. So, I’m not saying “goodbye” . . . just “see you later.” Prayers for Shirley, Ryan, Danae, and for all of us who love this dear man.

Tonya

What a light . . . what a call for purity, love, and the humane treatment of one another! Dr. Dobson spoke from the godly perspective of wisdom and sanity in a world of chaos, confusion, and darkness. His words were so needed, and they still continue to echo truth in the deceptive world in which we live. He helped me be a better Christian therapist with speakers, books, and broadcasts from Focus on the Family. He has been a blessing to me and to millions of others. I thank Mrs. Dobson, Danae, and Ryan for sharing him and his calling with us. His legacy will not be forgotten. Sending love and prayers to the family.

Cheryl

Dr. James Dobson and his radio ministry have helped sharpened my faith and influenced my parenting. I have been listening to Dr. Dobson since he was first at Focus on the Family and then at Family Talk. I already have read his books, “Love Must Be Tough” and “Bringing Up Boys.” I credit the wisdom I gained from these books in being an intentional parent to my sons and true partner to my spouse. I also remember and have passed on this advice: “respect precedes love.” I have passed along these teachings to my friends, and, as for my part, Dr. Dobson’s legacy will live on in the lives of countless individuals. I thank God for his life on earth and all the impact he has made in 89 years. Truly, a life well lived!

Elisa

I spent a good portion of my adult life in my 20s and early 30s as a churchgoer, but I was far from a godly man. I read Dr. Dobson’s “Straight Talk to Men.” I closed the book, called my dad, and told him I wanted to be baptized and go on that Emmaus Walk in which he wanted me to take part. If it wasn’t for Straight Talk to Men, I would have possibly never gone on that wonderful retreat and might still be just a “churchgoer.” Thank you, Dr. Dobson! Ken

Ken

Like so many other parents raising children with godly values and principles, our family faithfully followed Dr. James Dobson and Focus on the Family. We have some fond memories of listening to “Adventures in Odyssey” and reading books to our children. I have kept a few of these treasures and am now sharing them with grandchildren. We are thankful for his stepping out, reaching out, and taking a stand for family values. We honor and respect his vision and purpose. May he rest in peace, may God be with his family and surround them with love and comfort. The Koziaras

janelle

Dr. James Dobson helped me raise my kids. I absorbed his knowledge and wisdom in the same manner that my mother absorbed Dr. Spock. Thank you, Dr. Dobson! Your books were (are) priceless!

Diana

Every day for well over 14 years, I would drop my children off at school and turn on Focus on the Family to listen to the day’s broadcast. If I had errands to run, I sat in my car until that broadcast was over. I heard Fern Nichols on one of those broadcasts, and, as a result, I found one other mom at our private school in Hilton Head, SC to start a Moms in Prayer group. (This was 1999, and our son was starting 4th grade.) I later visited a friend in Boulder, CO and knew that I had to drive to Colorado Springs to visit the Focus on the Family Welcome Center. I found myself gently crying as I walked through the area, seeing things like Dr. Dobson’s father’s jacket framed and the oil paintings that were released each year, that, along with other memorabilia, sparked memories of things about which Dr. Dobson so passionately spoke. I remember being taken aback at how emotional I was at the welcome center, yet this was my story too. This is how my character and relationship with God grew. Dr. Dobson helped me raise my family! I received his monthly magazine, his monthly newsletter, became a donor partner, and grew in my walk with Christ because of his leading, passion, and wisdom that he so eloquently shared in his talks. As I said in my Facebook post when I learned of his passing, I know Dr. Dobson heard these words today: “My good and faithful servant.” My prayers to the Lord for Dr. Dobson’s family – he will indeed be missed by many. Blessings, Lenna

Lenna

I’ve been a single mom from the ’90s until this moment. Listening to Focus on the Family helped me get through tough times raising my three little children (as the youngest was born when the oldest was eight), taking in every word. This great man of the Lord spoke truth to people who were struggling – and listening! Thank you for being obedient to and for the Lord. I was forever changed, and I’m living the life lessons that you taught.

Sharon

Dr. Dobson and others, like Billy Graham and Pat Robertson, spoke words that came across to me like the voice of the Father, ever since I converted to Christ as an adult (30+ years ago). Their voices have continued to guide, comfort, disciple, and teach me during these years through their examples, videos, and books. Dr. Dobson’s advice and counsel affected me as if the Father was speaking, affirming me as a daughter. This voice was brought with love, grace, and guidance in seasons of great sadness, painful separations, and the loss of relationships. I will miss Dr. Dobson’s compassion and hope, while keeping lit the fire of the Spirit! My condolences to Mrs. Dobson, Danae, Ryan, and the entire family. We will miss him, but we will see Dr. Dobson soon. See you in a while!

Ivonne

His parenting books and the many resources available through Focus on the Family helped my family and me get through some crisis moments. I am personally grateful for him and leaders like him who have had the backbone to stand against critics and accusers and speak truth!

Nick

As I drove my daughter to preschool each day in the early 1980s, I tuned in to Focus on the Family. My older child had started elementary school. You KNOW I was grateful for the encouraging words I heard from Dr. Dobson and his guests. Those days in a young mother’s life are challenging. I know this opportunity to feel that I wasn’t alone was true for hundreds of other parents as well. As his life continued, Dr. Dobson continued to fight for all children and their families – and for our society. We are blessed to have known Dr. James Dobson – even if it was only through the radio and his books. May God be close to all of you – family and staff – as you live life without this dear man.

Judy

Dr. Dobson has wielded such a great influence on me as a son, husband, and father. The conversations he had on “Family Talk” programs have shaped my thoughts on family, parenting, Christian worldview, etc. He always had razor-sharp “focus on the family.” Thank you, Jesus, for his life. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues at JDFI. Ananth Meshach, Bangalore, India

Ananth

With great respect, we honor Dr. James Dobson as a great Christian hero who saved countless families over decades with vigorous biblical leadership. He made a huge difference in the trajectory of America, having a substantial Christian influence on our nation. He will always be remembered as a true servant of Jesus Christ. Sincere gratitude to Heaven for his love and his unfailing guidance for God’s true family. He showed us what family really is. Heartfelt prayers for his family and his followers. May God continue to bless and keep the faithful always. Nicole

Nicole

When my babies were little, I discovered Focus on the Family. I was so hungry for the wisdom and truths that Dr. Dobson shared that I sat down daily during his radio show with paper and pen to capture the gold nuggets. It was evident that Dr. Dobson was a strong, devoted man of God, and I wanted that kind of spirit running through my life and my family. Both my sons are strong Christians who nurture their own children in faith in Jesus and loving others. I am so thankful for Dr. Dobson, his family, and all the staff who have supported this ministry through the years.

Denise

Dr. Dobson was not only a household name growing up but very much a part of our family. We heard his voice daily, and he was blamed for many of the activities that my family did, from the 10-yr-old trip with Mom and Dad to have “the talk” to the endless episodes of “Adventures in Odyssey.” My birth family and my own family have been affected positively by the work of Dr. Dobson. I am so grateful for the generational impact that has had and will continue to have on my family!

Kari

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