Focus on the Family: In Memory of Dr. James Dobson

Date: August 22, 2025
Hosts: Jim Daly & John Fuller

Episode Overview

This special memorial episode of Focus on the Family honors the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, who passed away the previous day. Hosts Jim Daly and John Fuller guide listeners through heartfelt reflections, personal stories, and tributes from close friends, colleagues, and beneficiaries of Dr. Dobson’s ministry. The episode celebrates his unwavering commitment to Christian families, his visionary leadership, and the deeply personal touch that impacted millions worldwide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering the Founder’s Journey (00:09–04:50)

• John Fuller and Jim Daly recall Dr. Dobson’s transformation from child psychologist to media leader, author, and founder.
• Origin of Focus on the Family, inspired by Dr. Dobson’s father’s prayers and launched in a small office in 1977.
• Emphasis on Dr. Dobson’s humble expectations versus the eventual global reach of the ministry:

  “God has done amazing things that Dr. Dobson could never have imagined.” — Jim Daly (02:32)

2. Foundations of Character & Mission (04:51–07:40)

• Rev. H.B. London, Jr. (Dr. Dobson’s cousin) speaks on Dr. Dobson’s resolve and willingness to challenge opposition:

  “He had this boldness that came from, I don’t know, maybe it’s his parents or just from his own instincts…It was, though, when he got criticized for what he really believed, it just kind of turned him on to be even stronger…almost like the Apostle Paul or John the Baptist.” (06:02)

3. Early Days & Unique Calling (07:41–10:13)

• Peb Jackson, early Focus VP describes the pioneering vision for Christian family content in a landscape that lacked such resources.

  “There was a universal interest because nobody was doing it. Solid material for parents, for young mothers, for single parents. There was just nobody doing that at that particular time.” (09:05)

4. Impact on the Culture and Church (10:14–13:24)

• Dr. Al Mohler (past board member):

  “The fact that James Dobson was on the scene when he was, was an act of God’s sovereignty…Jim Dobson arrived as a trustworthy, convictional, Christian counselor, guide.” (10:40)

• Lt. Gen. Pat Karuana (board chairman):

  "He truly answered the call when God said, who can I send? And Jim said, God, you can send me. And he answered that call." (12:42)

5. Personal Connection & Global Legacy (13:25–17:00)

• Kim Robinson (board member):

  “He treated me and Tammy like he had known us all his life. It was such a personal touch…” (14:00) “His legacy...was the millions, and I emphasize millions, of people that he touched, not only here in the US but in numerous countries around the world.” (15:02)

• K. Coles James (Heritage Foundation): Shared a deeply personal story of Dr. Dobson’s quiet compassion and counsel during a family crisis:

  “He is also just the most kind, loving, warm friend that anyone could ask for.” (16:50)

6. Ministry to Marriages & Parents (17:01–19:00)

• Testimony from Jeff Armour (listener):

  “…it was the common sense and truth of the Bible coming through in his teaching of marriage, family, parenting…It brought the Bible and the teachings and Jesus alive in our marriage and in our parenting and in our home.” (18:07)

7. Influence on Public Life (19:01–22:15)

• Frank Wolf (former congressman):

  “I saw this film that Jim Dobson had the folks at Focus on the Family put out called Where’s Dad? and I broke down crying.” (19:47) “My kids…used to talk about AD & BD. BD was before I saw the Dobson film and AD was after the Dobson film.” (20:57)

8. Empowering Other Ministries (22:16–24:18)

• Dr. Tony Evans (Urban Alternative):

  “He not only encouraged us and prayed for us, but he opened up the system so that we could learn…the expertise of developing and taking our ministry to the next level.” (22:46)

9. Creativity and Vision in Media (24:19–26:45)

• Ray Vander Laan (Bible teacher): Recounts how Dr. Dobson instantly recognized the value of filming biblical studies in Israel, leading to a widely impactful series:

  “He immediately saw that there would be significant value in bringing the Bible text back for people who would probably never visit Israel.” (25:45)

10. Compassion for the Hurting Individual (26:46–29:20)

• Kim Meeder (Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch):

  “I watched him bend old knees and get down on his knees in the dirt to engage every child that rushed up to him...” (27:30)
  “I saw him just become a 15-year-old boy cantering a horse with black mane coming up and down in his face, just laughing and laughing.” (28:40)

11. Listener Tribute: Spiritual Fatherhood (29:21–31:05)

• A woman named Arlene (listener):

  “You taught us how to love our husbands, how to train our children. You encouraged us when we were down…You have been a father to us. I honor you, my spiritual father, mentor and friend.” (30:10)

12. Dr. Dobson in His Own Words (31:06–end)

• (Recording from "Turn Your Heart Toward Home")

  “Go back to your roots, back to your faith. And in that faith I find meaning and purpose and dignity and self-esteem, self-respect, self-control and identity. I know who I am because I know whose I am.” (31:26) “The first [objective] is to serve my fellow man, beginning with my own family. And the second is to be acceptable to the God who made me. And to hear those words…‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’” (31:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rev. H.B. London Jr.:

  “If he had a goal or if he had something in front of him, nothing was going to stop him…almost like the Apostle Paul or John the Baptist.” (06:28)

• Peb Jackson:

  “I can remember driving to work with an exhilaration in the pit of my stomach because I couldn’t wait to see what God was going to do.” (08:10)

• Frank Wolf:

  “Had I not seen that film, I could have lost my family…BD was before I saw the Dobson film, and AD was after the Dobson film.” (20:10, 20:57)

• Kim Meeder:

  “I watched him bend old knees and get down on his knees in the dirt to engage every child that rushed up to him.” (27:30)

• Dr. Dobson (final remarks):

  “I know who I am because I know whose I am…Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (31:26, 31:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 0:09 — Opening reflection and Tammy’s tribute
• 2:32 — John and Jim discuss Dobson's vision and ministry origins
• 6:02 — H.B. London Jr. on Dobson’s resolve
• 9:05 — Peb Jackson on filling a vital need for families
• 10:40 — Dr. Al Mohler on Dobson’s cultural and spiritual impact
• 12:42 — Lt. Gen. Pat Karuana on Dobson’s faithfulness
• 14:00 — Kim Robinson on Dobson’s ability to connect personally
• 16:50 — K. Coles James’ testimony of Dobson’s loving friendship
• 18:07 — Jeff Armour on the life-changing impact of Dobson’s marriage teaching
• 19:47 — Frank Wolf moved by the “Where’s Dad?” film
• 22:46 — Tony Evans on Dobson’s encouragement of other ministries
• 25:45 — Ray Vander Laan describes start of “That the World May Know” series
• 27:30 — Kim Meeder’s memory of Dobson with children at Crystal Peaks
• 30:10 — Arlene’s tribute: “You have been a father to us.”
• 31:26 — Dr. Dobson’s closing words on purpose and faith

Episode Tone & Takeaway

The tone is reverent, warm, and deeply grateful, focused on personal memory and collective inspiration. Dr. Dobson is remembered as a visionary, a servant, a friend, a father figure, and—above all—a committed follower of Christ. The stories and testimonies collectively underscore a legacy rooted in humble, practical obedience and love for others.

Final takeaways:

• Dr. Dobson’s life work was propelled by faith, resilience, and a drive to serve families and the wider world through biblical wisdom.
• His true legacy lives on in the countless individuals, marriages, and ministries he impacted—through words, friendship, and relentless advocacy for the family.
• The ultimate measure of his life, as he stated, is to serve others and to be found “acceptable to the God who made me.” (31:59)