Dr. James Dobson defender and friend of the family, died in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

His public life began as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, which he joined after completing his doctorate in psychology,

He saw the permissive models of parenting then gaining ground, and he pushed back with his book, “Dare to Discipline,” which became an evangelical standard.

His early forays into radio and broadcasting led to the formation of Focus on the Family, which grew into a vast organization with international reach. I was honored to serve on its board of directors.

He became a major figure in conservative evangelical life and in the contested politics of his age. He fought for laws and policies that would support rather than subvert marriage and the family. His soft voice was combined with firm convictions.

In a tumultuous age, he made waves and he influenced lives.

The history of our times cannot be told without him.