Tribute to Dr. James Dobson: A Soldier for the Family, A Voice for Generations

Writing a biographical obituary is never easy, and it is certainly not something I take pleasure in. But necessity compels me. I do it when a life has touched mine so deeply, personally and professionally, that silence would be ingratitude. In truth, there is no separation between who I am as a person and who I am as a professional. When someone influences me, they inevitably shape my convictions, my practice, and my lifelong work.

When I reflect on lives like Dr. James Dobson’s, four principles always guide me:

• Mortality: Each obituary reminds me that my own days are numbered, and I must use my limited time to make the world better.
• Impact: It forces me to ask: whose life am I blessing, and whose life am I burdening?
• Legacy: It gives me a glimpse into how the world will interpret my work when I am gone, what my family, my friends, and my colleagues will remember.
• Choice: It confronts me with the eternal question: are we living to make the world better, or are we living only for ourselves?

It is in this light that I pause to honor the life and times of Dr. James Dobson.

The First Encounter

In 1997, as a young man working with secondary school students through a club we called The Heights Club, I was preparing teaching materials on sexuality education. In my search, I stumbled upon two resources, one by AC Green, The Glory of Sex, and another by Dr. James Dobson. What drew me to Dobson’s work was his courageous campaign in the United States to expose the perversions hidden under the banner of “sex education.”

I found his arguments compelling and used some of them in shaping the curriculum I prepared at that time. That moment was the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning from him, drawing from his insights, and being challenged by his convictions.

A Voice that Shaped a Calling

As my career unfolded, first as a family attorney, then as a family strengthening and child safeguarding and protection innovator, and as a parenting ideologue, James Dobson’s voice was never far away. His thoughts on discipline, though not always aligned with my own, informed and inspired me. In my book, The Burden and Wisdom of Parenting: The Journey from an Erased Childhood to a Transformed Adulthood, I referenced his foundational beliefs. While I respectfully disagreed with certain aspects, I recognized the depth of his reasoning, the sincerity of his faith, and the courage it took to hold his convictions in a world that often mocked them.

Dobson was not just a teacher; he was a man of conscience. A leader of leaders. A soldier for the family. He stood when it was easier to bow. He defended faith, family, and nation when it was not fashionable to do so. He lived what he taught, and his teachings were reflected in the life of his own family.

Personal Influence

My own library bears witness to my long journey with his work. It is decorated with many of his materials. Some books I own in duplicate, one copy for underlining and notes, another left untouched so I could return to his words fresh. That is how deeply I valued his contribution.

On August 21, 2024, a day after Judge Frank Caprio’s departure, and just two days after World Humanitarian Day, Dr. James Dobson left this side of eternity. The coincidence of these dates is not lost on me. Heaven gained a soldier for the family, even as the earth lost one of its boldest voices.

Goodnight, Soldier

Goodnight, Dr. Dobson. Soldier for the family. Architect of parenting ideologies. Defender of transcendent truths. Through your absolutism in teaching values, you gave us a vision of children who will not only serve God but also transform history.

Your work has laid a foundation for us to build upon, a world where families can thrive, find their bearings, and transform society one family, one child at a time.

Adieu, sir. Your voice still speaks. Your influence endures. Your legacy lives on.