Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Baptist Paper
The Baptist Paper
  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Classifieds
  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Classifieds

Focus on the Family founder James C. Dobson dies

James C. Dobson — founder of Focus on the Family, one of the world's largest faith-based organizations — died Aug. 21. He was 89.
  • August 21, 2025
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Colorado, Featured, Latest News
James C. Dobson
(Screenshot/TBN)

Focus on the Family founder James C. Dobson dies

James Dobson

James C. Dobson — founder of Focus on the Family, one of the world’s largest faith-based organizations — died Aug. 21. He was 89.

Dobson founded Colorado-based Focus on the Family in 1977 with the vision of strengthening marriages and parenting. He wrote more than 70 books, many of which are still widely read today. His daily radio broadcasts were heard on more than 4,000 stations in North America and heard in translation in 27 other languages in more than 160 countries.

He also served as an advisor to five U.S. presidents.

‘Man of deep conviction’

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson left Focus on the Family in 2010 and started the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, where he hosted the Family Talk radio broadcast.

“Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped the way generations view faith, family and culture,” said Gary Bauer, senior vice president of public policy at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. “His 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.”

Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; daughter, Danae; son, Ryan; and two grandchildren.

Share with others:

Facebook
X/Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Latest News

  • Editorial: What’s the purpose of a Baptist institution?
    Editorial: What’s the purpose of a Baptist institution?
    May 10, 2026/
    0 Comments
  • First person: A ‘colorblind’ constitution
    First person: A ‘colorblind’ constitution
    May 9, 2026/
    0 Comments
  • What’s the hantavirus? Should you be concerned about it?
    What’s the hantavirus? Should you be concerned about it?
    May 8, 2026/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

Editorial: What’s the purpose of a Baptist institution?

I’m going to put some things in print some may consider impolite or imprudent. Perhaps so. Here we go. The purpose of a Baptist institution

First person: A ‘colorblind’ constitution

This month marks the 130-year anniversary of one of the most infamous cases in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

What’s the hantavirus? Should you be concerned about it?

Hantaviruses, named after a river in South Korea, are a family of more than 20 different viral species. Almost all are linked to infection by rodents, typically rats and mice, through dried urine and droppings.

Recovering ‘people hater’ Daniel Ritchie shares story of God’s grace with students

Daniel Ritchie was called into ministry, which he was confused about. He asked God how he, a recovering “people hater,” could step into that calling.

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us

Explore

  • The Kids Edition
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • The Kids Edition
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy
  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
The Baptist Paper
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2026 TAB Media Group
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ

Email:
news@thebaptistpaper.org

About

  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church
  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church

Explore

  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news
  • The Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news

Subscribe

  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe

Hi reader.
We’re a nonprofit Christian news ministry. 
Our mission is to provide grace-filled, trustworthy journalism from a Christian worldview. We make our reporting freely available online because we believe people should have access to reliable information.

Reader support helps sustain this work, offset rising costs, and allow us to continue providing affordable resources to churches and ministries. If you value this work, would you consider supporting our mission today?

Support Our Ministry

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log In

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help
Privacy/Terms of Use

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy/Terms of Use
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel