As I sat down to write this column for the Fall 2025 Edition of Family North Carolina magazine, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed. I knew the subject of the commentary was going to be the passing of world-renowned Christian leader, psychologist, and author Dr. James Dobson, but how could I do justice to the legacy of such an incredible pioneer and mentor to countless people, families, and ministries.
Not only was Dr. Dobson the founder and 30-plus year leader of the international ministry Focus on the Family; he was also instrumental in establishing Family Research Council, Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Policy Alliance, the James Dobson Family Institute, and over 40 state-level Family Policy Councils—including our very own North Carolina Family Policy Council!
He was a trusted advisor to at least five U.S. Presidents and was appointed by presidents to serve on multiple national boards and commissions addressing issues like child and family welfare, juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, pornography, and the harms of gambling.
In many respects, Dr. Dobson is the father of the modern-day evangelical Christian social policy movement.
But when Dr. James Dobson entered his heavenly home on August 21, 2025, at the age of 89, he left behind far more than an impressive biography and endless accolades. He left behind a lasting legacy of faith, faithfulness, and focus—yes, focus on the family.
Throughout his life and ministry, Dr. Dobson sought to faithfully serve the Lord by using his training as a psychologist, his incredible intellect, and his living faith and knowledge of God’s Word to strengthen families and to promote and defend Biblical values.
He knew that God has a plan and a purpose for every human being, and his heartfelt desire was to help each one live fully into the person God created them to be. He also knew that humans are sinful at heart and that sin corrupts and severs relationships, and the only true means of repairing and redeeming broken ties is through a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ—the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Not only was Dr. Dobson a giant among national Christian leaders for decades; he was also the voice of a gracious and loving friend, father, and grandfather.
Dr. Dobson’s Focus on the Family daily radio broadcast was heard on over 4,000 radio stations across North America and was translated into 27 languages in more than 160 countries. He authored more than 70 books and counseled and nurtured millions of families into stronger and more loving relationships. But his impact didn’t stop there—younger generations were raised on the beloved “Adventures in Odyssey” and other high-quality, child-focused resources and programs.
I did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. Dobson well—we met and interacted on several occasions, but he was one of those rare and gifted individuals who could make you feel like you were the only person in the room when he was talking with you. Such was his nature that even those who knew him only through the pages of his books or through his kind and engaging voice on the radio felt a special kinship and personal connection. His loving relationship of 64 years of marriage to his wife Shirley not only demonstrated his profound commitment to marriage and family, but it also kept him well-grounded and remarkably in touch with his devoted audience.
Throughout time, God appoints certain individuals to step onto the stage of history for a specific and special purpose, and we are so grateful that Dr. Dobson rose to the challenge and lived such a faithful and faith-filled life. We can’t all have the outsized impact that Dr. Dobson did, but we can seek to serve the Lord faithfully in the arenas into which He calls and equips us to serve. May that be the case for each and every one of us!
The North Carolina Family Policy Council owes a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Dobson, as he was the de-facto founder of this ministry. Please join our team at NC Family in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson and praying for Shirley and the rest of the Dobson family as they celebrate the eternal homecoming of a man who meant so much to so many.
John L. Rustin is President of the North Carolina Family Policy Council