James C. Dobson, a Renowned Voice for Faith and Family, Passes Away at 89
Dr. James C. Dobson, the influential Christian psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family, has passed away at the age of 89. The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute announced his death on Thursday, following a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley, along with their two children and two grandchildren.
“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer—his unwavering convictions shaped how generations perceive faith, family, and culture,” said Gary Bauer, senior vice president of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. “His bold leadership and compassion equipped countless families to thrive amid changing values.”
The news of Dobson’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Conservative author and radio host Eric Metaxas expressed his admiration, calling Dobson “a hero” and stating, “He was not afraid to bring his faith into the public sphere for God’s purposes. He has finished the race—to God’s glory! Hallelujah! May we all follow in his footsteps.”
Craig DeRoche, president and CEO of the Family Policy Alliance, reflected on Dobson’s legacy, emphasizing his impact on the advocacy for faith, family, and biblical values. “With unwavering conviction, he championed the sanctity of marriage, life, and parental rights—principles woven into the DNA of our movement,” DeRoche stated.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson earned his Ph.D. in child development from the University of Southern California in 1967. He served as a professor at the USC School of Medicine and worked at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles before founding Focus on the Family in 1977. His first book, Dare to Discipline, sold over three million copies, and he authored several other influential works, including Love Must Be Tough and Parenting Isn’t for Cowards.
Under Dobson’s leadership, Focus on the Family grew into a major conservative Christian organization, providing educational resources and family support. His radio broadcasts reached millions, making him a household name among Christian audiences.
Throughout his career, Dobson was involved in various national initiatives, including the National Advisory Commission on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention during the Reagan administration. His commitment to conservative values often put him at odds with progressive organizations, leading to criticism from groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center, which labeled Focus on the Family as an extremist organization due to its stances on LGBTQ+ issues.
Despite the controversies, Dobson’s influence on the conservative Christian movement is undeniable. He continued to advocate for family values through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and his nationally syndicated radio program, Family Talk, even after stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010.
In a letter to President Biden last year, Dobson and several colleagues criticized the administration’s policies, expressing concerns over their impact on the nation. “The moral and constitutional framework that sustains our Republic is at risk of collapsing due to your ill-advised and un-American policies,” they wrote.
As the Christian community mourns the loss of Dr. James C. Dobson, his legacy as a champion for family values and faith will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come. His life’s work stands as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
For more information on Dr. Dobson’s life and contributions, you can visit the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and explore his extensive body of work and advocacy efforts.