JAMES DOBSON, 89, DIES LEAVING A POWERFUL LEGACY OF FAITH AND FAMILY

James Dobson, the renowned evangelical leader, died at the age of 89 on August 21, 2025, in Colorado Springs. His passing was confirmed by respected sources such as Reuters, AP, and The Washington Post.

James Dobson was born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He earned a Ph.D. in child development from the University of Southern California in 1967, an academic foundation that lent credibility to his later influence as a counselor and media personality.

In 1977, James Dobson founded Focus on the Family, a media and counseling ministry that rapidly grew into one of the most powerful evangelical institutions in the United States . Through radio broadcasts, books, counseling, and programs like Adventures in Odyssey, he reached millions in the U.S. and around the world.

Dobson became a central figure in shaping conservative Christian discourse. He advocated for traditional family structures, opposed abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and promoted biblical parenting, often through the controversial endorsement of corporal punishment in his book Dare to Discipline.

His influence extended into politics: James Dobson advised five U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. He also helped establish networked policy and advocacy groups like the Family Research Council and state-level Family Policy Councils to bolster conservative social policies.

At the height of his visibility, Dobson’s voice resonated across more than 3,000 radio stations in North America, engaging millions with his weekly programs and outreach efforts . His approachable, empathetic style made him a trusted guide for countless families seeking clarity amid cultural change.

After stepping down as president of Focus on the Family in 2005, Dobson remained chairman emeritus. He then founded the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute in 2010 and launched the radio broadcast Family Talk to continue his ministry.

James Dobson’s legacy is multifaceted and enduring. To supporters, he was a compassionate counselor and unwavering advocate of faith and family, someone who offered practical advice rooted in Christian belief. To critics, his legacy is more controversial, emblematic of resistance to progressive social change.

Globally, James Dobson shaped evangelical culture through his books, over 70 titles translated into many languages, and his multimedia reach. His guidance influenced marriage patterns, parenting practices, and how faith-based communities engage with politics.
On the political front, Dobson helped establish evangelical infrastructure that continues to mobilize voters and shape policy. His role in founding the Family Research Council and promoting conservative legislation created an enduring framework for political engagement based on biblical values.

As tributes pour in, James Dobson is remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, author, psychologist, and cultural architect. He is survived by his wife Shirley, their two children, and grandchildren.

In the era of shifting cultural norms, James Dobson’s death is not merely an end but an invitation to examine the enduring influence of his message. Catholics, evangelicals, and broad conservative circles acknowledge his role in shaping public life for decades. His vision, faith in action, anchored by family, continues to echo through American religious and political landscapes.

Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, called Dobson “a pioneer, a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture.” He added that Dobson’s “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.”

James Dobson’s life spanned 89 years, and his voice carried far beyond: he dies, but his legacy of faith and family lives on.

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