Focus on the Family Founder, Christian Trailblazer, and Presidential Advisor Dr. James Dobson, Dead at 89

Dr. James C. Dobson was born to a generation whose parents' primary guidance in raising children was Dr. Benjamin Spock. Most evangelical Christians rejected this worldly advice, but aside from the stern warning of "Spare the rod and spoil the child," there was no solid guidance for Christian parents on appropriately disciplining their children, or even how to shepherd and guide their children in life and godliness.

Enter Dr. James Dobson and his first book, "Dare to Discipline." It revolutionized not just the concept of Christian parenting but also the concept that God created families to be an example and a light to the world around them.

Dr. Dobson was a clinical psychologist by trade, earning his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, then serving as an associate clinical professor in pediatrics at USC School of Medicine for 14 years and an attending staff for 17 years in the division of Child Development and Medical Genetics at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. This is what gave Dr. Dobson weight and allowed him to trailblaze an entire movement grounded in biblical principles and practical wisdom, coupled with science. Before Dr. Dobson this did not exist, and every Christian parenting influencer today owes their success to the foundation that Dr. Dobson built.

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Dr. Dobson left his work at L.A. Children's Hospital to become a broadcast trailblazer. In 1977, he founded "Focus on the Family" to share his concepts on raising strong, disciplined children, shoring up marriages, and supporting the family. "Dare to Discipline" was published in 1982, and Dr. Dobson has authored more than 70 other books dedicated to the preservation of the family as God intended, including updating his two most seminal works: "Dare to Discipline" and "The Strong-Willed Child," for new audiences.

Many Christians (including myself) can attribute to Dr. Dobson the building of our own spiritual foundations. The "Focus on the Family" radio program was on our regular listening dial for many years. As a friend of mine related on his Facebook page, most of us never met Dr. Dobson personally, but we considered him a spiritual father because of his sound biblical teaching and his heart of love, support, and care for every person listening to his words or reading his work. He was a giant across many arenas, both sacred and secular, and on a multitude of levels.

This giant is now dwarfed as he stands before the heavenly throne. On Thursday, Dr. James Dobson died peacefully after a brief illness. He was 89 years old. Another organization he founded, the James Dobson Family Institute, announced his passing.

Dr. James C. Dobson, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the last half-century and a tireless advocate for the traditional family, passed away on August 21, 2025 at the age of 89. A psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, a Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster, and advisor to five U.S. presidents, Dr. Dobson dedicated his life to strengthening marriages, guiding parents, and defending biblical values by championing the central role of family in America.
“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer—a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” said Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. “His bold leadership, integrity, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a steady voice of truth in turbulent times.”

The first organization he founded, "Focus on the Family," posted this tribute to X:

Today we remember a hero of the faith. Our Founder, Dr. James C. Dobson, passed away this morning. Although we're sorrowful over this loss, we are thankful for his legacy of family ministry that will live on for future generations, and rejoice that he is now in the presence of… pic.twitter.com/H8sSsXssos
— Focus on the Family (@FocusFamily) August 21, 2025

Today we remember a hero of the faith. Our Founder, Dr. James C. Dobson, passed away this morning. Although we're sorrowful over this loss, we are thankful for his legacy of family ministry that will live on for future generations, and rejoice that he is now in the presence of our Savior.

Dr. Dobson lived not just a long life, but a life of consistency, faithful service, and bedrock principles undergirded by scripture. Husband to one woman (Shirley) for 64 years, father to two children (Danae and Ryan), and grandfather to two grandchildren, Dr. Dobson was an advocate for the cause of Life, not just for the preborn, but across the spectrum of life. Too many Christian leaders and evangelical influencers cannot make this claim. Dr. Dobson was also a patriot who believed in serving his country with his gifts and expertise. Dr. Dobson advised U.S. presidents from Ronald Reagan to George HW Bush, to Donald J. Trump. He testified and served on advisory boards that addressed issues plaguing the culture, pornography, human trafficking, and the great cancer of abortion. In 1994, Dr. Dobson partnered with Campus Crusade (now CRU)'s Bill Bright, conservative broadcasting pioneer Marlin Maddoux, Presbyterian pastor and broadcaster Dr. D. James Kennedy, financial counselor Larry Burkett, and Christian businessman and philanthropist William Pew to found the Alliance Defense Fund, which eventually became the Alliance Defending Freedom.

His son Ryan Dobson, whom I had the opportunity to interview years ago for the book he co-authored with Christian Buckley: "Humanitarian Jesus," wrote this touching tribute on his Facebook page.

My dad, Dr. James Dobson, has gone home to be with the Lord.
I’m walking through the kind of grief that words can’t quite reach. But even in the middle of it, I keep returning to this verse:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” —John 3:17
That was my dad’s heart.
Yes, he was bold. Yes, he spoke hard truths. But beneath all of it was a deep, quiet desire to help families, to protect children, and to introduce people to Jesus. Not to condemn. To save. To restore. To heal.
He didn’t just preach it—he lived it. With me. And with his grandchildren.
His greatest hope wasn’t just that the world would hear him—but that generations after him would know the love of Christ and walk in truth.
That legacy lives on in my family—and in so many of yours.
We’re spending this time together—grieving, remembering, praying, and holding tight to the promises of God.
If my dad’s words, work, or witness ever impacted your life, I’d be honored to hear your story. Your prayers and reflections mean more than you know.
www.ryandobson.com for contact information and resources.

The James Dobson Family Institute tribute continued,

Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Dobson founded Focus on the Family in 1977, creating one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world. His daily broadcasts were heard on over 4,000 radio stations across North America and translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries. Following his departure from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dr. Dobson launched the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI), continuing his mission through Family Talk, a nationally syndicated radio broadcast offering timeless counsel for today’s families.
Dr. Dobson authored more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and When God Doesn’t Make Sense, which remain staples in Christian homes today. His leadership extended beyond media and publishing as he advised multiple U.S. administrations on family policy, juvenile justice, and child welfare.
A frequent presence in Washington, D.C., Dr. Dobson played key roles in presidential commissions, with appointments by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He was instrumental in shaping national conversations around pornography, gambling, teen pregnancy prevention, and the sanctity of human life, and he served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
Dr. Dobson’s voice not only influenced policy but also gave hope to millions seeking practical, faith-based wisdom for their homes. His legacy lives on through the innumerable families he inspired to build their lives on the foundation of Scripture.

In their tribute to Dr. Dobson, the Focus on the Family website featured some of his voluminous words. One quote that was from a personal message to his son Ryan is particularly poignant. "Remember one message above all else: BE THERE on the other side. I will be waiting for you! I will be specifically looking for you just inside the Eastern Gate."

As James Dobson takes his place among the great cloud of witnesses, we will work to BE THERE when our time comes, and can only hope to leave a fraction of the weight of the powerful legacy which he has left behind.

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