Dr. James Dobson, Influential Christian Psychologist, Passes Away at 89
August 21, 2025 – Dr. James Dobson, a prominent child psychologist and the founder of the conservative ministry Focus on the Family, passed away on Thursday at the age of 89. His death was announced by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, leaving a significant impact on American evangelicalism and political activism.
Dobson initiated a radio show aimed at counseling Christian parents in 1977 and subsequently established Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. This organization grew to employ more than 1,000 people, providing Dobson with a notable platform to engage in legislative matters, advise key political figures, and actively oppose legal measures aimed at banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Influence and Legacy
In the 1980s, Dobson emerged as a powerful advocate for conservative Christian beliefs, famously collaborating with influential figures such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. He championed the cause of integrating religious conservatives into mainstream politics. Falwell once described Dobson in 1989 as a “rising star” of the movement. His alignment with political leaders continued into the later years, as he joined President Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.
Career Evolution
In 2010, Dobson stepped down from his role at Focus on the Family to establish the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. He also maintained his presence in media through his Family Talk radio show, which is broadcast across approximately 1,500 radio stations and attracts over half a million listeners each week, according to the institute.
Remembering His Impact
In a statement following his passing, Dobson’s family expressed, “Dr. Dobson’s impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed.” Gary Bauer, a senior vice president at the institute, recognized him as a “pioneer” who provided guidance to families amid changing societal values.
Notable Moments
Among Dobson’s significant contributions, he interviewed President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office in 1985, expressing gratitude for the administration’s focus on family-related issues. Additionally, he gained attention for a controversial video interview with convicted serial killer Ted Bundy, conducted the day before Bundy’s execution. In this unsettling conversation, Bundy attributed his violent tendencies to exposure to pornography, a claim Dobson famously aired on his program.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson is survived by his wife, Shirley, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, along with their children, Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren, as confirmed by his family.
Summary of Dr. James Dobson’s Life and Work
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1936 | Born in Shreveport, Louisiana |
| 1977 | Founded Focus on the Family |
| 2010 | Established the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute |
| 2025 | Passed away at the age of 89 |
