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 at age 89.
Dobson reached millions of listeners around the world through his Focus on the Family radio show. A psychologist, New York Times best-selling author, a Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster, and advisor to five U.S. presidents, he dedicated his life to strengthening marriages, guiding parents, and defending biblical values by championing the vital role of family in America.
Dobson visited Alaska on several occasions to both serve those in need and enjoy the beauty of The Last Frontier state.
In 2017, he joined Samaritan’s Purse Founder Franklin Graham in celebrating military couples who had experienced healed hearts and marriages through Operation Heal Our Hearts at the Samaritan Lodge Alaska, situated in Port Alsworth, near Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Dobson came to encourage individuals who received salvation in Jesus Christ and rededicated their marriages and lives to the Lord.
“I am fighting back tears just being here and seeing with my own eyes what’s taking place here,” Dobson said at the time. “The Lord is in this place. He is hovering here. I do believe that.”
Dobson also visited Alaska on a cruise ship in 2007 and enjoyed a 2016 salmon fishing adventure with three generations of his family.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, 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, 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.
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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., 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.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; their children, Danae and Ryan; daughter-in-law Laura; and two grandchildren.
7 Comments
A good man. He finished his race. Now he went to the one who he served. The Lord Master of All
Great news! I hope he’s in a very hot place ! He did much damage.
You need help.
A great man with a steadfast love for the Lord and heart for people, especially families. As a young mom I listened and read so much of his wisdom. My kiddos are now grown, well adjusted adults who love the Lord. I am thankful for Dr. Dobson and Focus on the family for their wisdom and guidance.
Amen, I listened to him often too. Love this man. Now he’s in Heaven with God, how awesome is that.
God bless his family
Yes David you need Help.. if you don’t believe in Jesus and ask him into your Heart, Before you die. Yes you will be in a very Hot place.
May God forgive you.
James Dobson influenced my world view and greatly made me the man I am! AM SO GREAT FULL FOR HIS DARING LEADERSHIP IN THE FACE OF EVIL TIMES!!! WE NEED MORE LIKE HIM!!!!