(LifeSiteNews) — Dr. James Dobson, a leading figure in the pro-family movement for several decades, died on Thursday at age 89.
Dobson, a psychologist and evangelical Christian, was an outspoken advocate on a wide range of pro-life and pro-family issues, such as opposition to abortion, same-sex “marriage,” and pornography. He founded Focus on the Family in 1977 and the Family Research Council in 1983. He was a radio broadcaster, author of dozens of books on family, marriage, and parenting, and adviser to multiple U.S. presidents.
“Few people have had the positive, Christ-honoring impact upon the family as Dr. Jim Dobson. His legacy will be lasting,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
“In every sphere in which he engaged — as an author, psychologist, teacher, policy expert and national leader — he served the cause of Christ and proclaimed God’s faithfulness to His people. He brought to public policy a new focus on the timelessness of family,” he added.
Dobson was born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all ministers in the evangelical Church of the Nazarene, though he himself never became one. He earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1967 and was a professor of pediatrics at its medical school for over a decade.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their two children, as well as two grandchildren.
