It is with deep reverence and sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. James Clayton Dobson Jr., who departed this life on August 21 at the age of 89. Born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Dobson was a godly psychologist, prolific author, influential radio broadcaster, and a guiding voice in the lives of countless Christian families.
Although never an ordained minister, he was called “the nation’s most influential evangelical leader” by The New York Times, while Slate portrayed him as a successor to evangelical leaders Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.
As a young boy, Jim tasted the sweetness of Bible prophecy fulfilled when he first heard of Israel’s rebirth on May 14, 1948. His mother, listening to news of David Ben-Gurion’s declaration, called him urgently, “Jimmy, come quick to the radio—Bible prophecy is coming to pass today.” A sovereign State of Israel would be prophetically reborn in the “End of Days,” she told her son. This unforgettable moment kindled in him a lifelong passion: God was faithful to His promises, and Israel’s miraculous restoration was a beacon of divine faithfulness.
That early experience not only shaped his spiritual worldview, but also anchored a heartfelt commitment to stand with Israel—a stance he would carry into every sphere of his ministry.
Through Focus on the Family, which he founded in 1977, and later the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (2010), Jim wielded his platforms not just to uphold biblical family values, but also to cultivate awareness and support for Israel and the Jewish people. His organization’s official writings reflect a clear and passionate defense of Israel—calling out bias and media distortions and urging Christians to discern truth, stand firm, and pray faithfully.
Even amid geopolitical tensions, Dr. Dobson underscored Israel’s unique position in redemptive history and contemporary Christian witness. He denounced unfair portrayals—as when he condemned media depictions that falsely framed Israel as starving Gaza—calling such narratives “vicious campaigns of lies” and urging believers to recognize the war on Israel was often fueled by misinformation.
Jim Dobson’s legacy is multifaceted—and yet coherent: he faithfully wove together devotion to Scripture, deep love for family, and unwavering support for Israel. Over nearly five decades, he provided counsel, hope, and conviction through radio, books, and public service. He stood on numerous presidential advisory boards, authored over 70 beloved books (including When God Doesn’t Make Sense), and impacted a world thirsty for God’s truth.
But above all, his enduring legacy is one of prayerful solidarity with Israel—rooted in prophetic understanding, personal devotion, and a conviction that supporting Israel is aligning with the purposes of our faithful Lord.
Dr. Dobson is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Shirley, their daughters Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren.
Family, friends, and the global church mourn his passing, commemorating the way he pointed Christians toward a greater understanding of God’s unwavering faithfulness to Israel and His people.
