Who was James Dobson?

Dr. James Clayton Dobson, Jr. (1936—2025) was the founder and president of Focus on the Family, a ministry with broad impact. James Dobson was one of the most influential voices in faith-based, traditional family advocacy during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His professional background in child psychology, combined with his skill in translating complex concepts into practical advice for parents, earned “Doctor Dobson” wide recognition and acceptance. As a conservative Christian leader, James Dobson offered counsel on family values, Christian marriage, parenting, and public policy. Through his bestselling books, extensive radio reach, presidential appointments, and steadfast dedication to defending biblical values, Dr. James Dobson touched millions in his lifetime, bridging the gap between psychology, faith, and politics. He died on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89.

James Dobson was born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana, into a family rooted in faith. His father was a traveling evangelist, and his mother was equally committed to faith and service, helping to instill in Dobson a strong sense of Christian duty and compassion from a young age. The family’s frequent moves across the southern United States exposed Dobson to various church communities and traditions, shaping his lifelong dedication to evangelical Christianity.

Dobson excelled both academically and athletically, eventually earning a scholarship to Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) in California, where he studied psychology. His education continued at the University of Southern California, where he completed a PhD in child development in 1967.

Dobson started his career by working 14 years as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, followed by 17 years as a psychologist on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He specialized in child psychology and the dynamics of family relationships.

Throughout the 1970s, Dobson wrote several books designed to help parents understand and nurture their children. His bestseller, Dare to Discipline, stressed the importance of parental authority and loving guidance and quickly became a staple in Christian households. Dobson’s approach contrasted with more permissive child-rearing trends, advocating for firm yet compassionate discipline to build character and virtue.

In 1977, recognizing a national need for biblically based family guidance and resources, Dobson established Focus on the Family in Southern California. The organization offered support, education, and encouragement to families facing the challenges of modern life. Focus on the Family grew quickly, producing radio shows, magazines, books, and conferences that reached millions of listeners and readers.

The daily Focus on the Family radio broadcast became a favorite in many American households. The show was known for its blend of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and lively interviews. Dobson’s gentle yet authoritative tone made listeners feel as though they were receiving wisdom from a trusted friend. The program tackled a range of issues from marriage, parenting, sexuality, mental health, and even political topics. James Dobson became a sought-after speaker and counselor to families and church leaders across the nation.

James Dobson wrote dozens of books that are still used in churches, schools, and homes. His works include The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, Bringing Up Boys, Love Must Be Tough, Parenting Isn’t for Cowards, and Bringing Up Girls. These works offer solid guidance for parents facing challenging situations, always emphasizing the centrality of faith, love, and discipline.

Through Focus on the Family, Dobson launched numerous initiatives, including the Adventures in Odyssey radio series for children, family counseling services, and advocacy campaigns on issues such as adoption, foster care, and the sanctity of life. He also developed specialty programs for pastors and educators, equipping them to support families in their communities.

James Dobson was a prominent supporter of conservative social values, often speaking out on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious liberty. His commentaries and public statements frequently entered the political arena, making him a key figure in the so-called “culture wars” of the late 20th century. Dobson served on various government advisory boards, including appointments by Presidents Carter, Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Trump.

Although Dobson’s views drew criticism from some sectors, his advocacy helped mobilize millions of evangelical Christians and shaped the direction of American social policy. Focus on the Family gained recognition for its lobbying efforts, voter education initiatives, and partnerships with other conservative groups.

In 2003, Dobson stepped down as president of Focus on the Family. In 2010, he left the organization entirely to found Family Talk, a nonprofit dedicated to radio broadcasting and online ministry. Through Family Talk, Dobson continued his mission of promoting biblical principles in family life and public discourse.

James Dobson’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. Supporters commend him for his compassionate guidance and his defense of Christian family values, while critics oppose his views on social issues and his influence on American politics. Regardless of one’s perspective, his impact on evangelical Christianity and American culture is undeniable.

James married Shirley Dobson in 1960, and together they had two children: a daughter, Danae, and a son, Ryan. The couple’s partnership was central to Dobson’s work, both in ministry and in advocacy. Dobson received numerous awards for his contributions to psychology, broadcasting, and religious life, including honorary doctorates and accolades from organizations across the nation.

James Dobson helped millions of Christians navigate family challenges while promoting a society based on biblical principles. His work continues to shape views on family, faith, and morality in a changing world, ensuring his influence will endure for generations.

Perhaps nothing captures his legacy better than these words penned by James Dobson himself: “I have concluded that the accumulation of wealth, even if I could achieve it, is an insufficient reason for living. When I reach the end of my days, a moment or two from now, I must look backward on something more meaningful than the pursuit of houses and land and machines and stocks and bonds. Nor is fame of any lasting benefit. I will consider my earthly existence to have been wasted unless I can recall a loving family, a consistent investment in the lives of people, and an earnest attempt to serve the God who made me. Nothing else makes much sense” (https://jamesdobsonmemorial.com/, accessed 9/4/25).