Rev. James Clayton Dobson, Sr. (1911 - 1977) = Artist, Pastor, Professor. Born on May 24, 1911, the youngest son of six to Robert Lee and Juanita Martin Dobson. Jimmie announced at the age of three years that he wanted to become an artist. At the age of sixteen, he heard God’s call to the ministry, but he wouldn’t give up his art. For several years, he rebelled, and left the church. During this time, however, his mother faithfully prayed for her son.
James entered the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in the fall of 1930 and graduated, rated “Number One” in talent by the Institute in his class. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find a job in the art field and took a job pumping gas at a Texaco service station.
He married a preacher’s pretty daughter named Myrtle Georgia Dillingham on June 13, 1934 and their only child was born on April 21, 1936 by C-section*.
James yielded to God during a evangelistic service. He set aside art and prepared to enter the ministry. He obtained his local preacher’s license and his first pastorate began in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
He was known as a man of prayer, a prayer warrior. He prayed that his beloved son would grow to become a man who followed the Lord's lead in every area of his life. God honored his prayers. Many people came to know the Lord.
Rev. James C. Dobson Sr. officiated at his son, Dr. James C. Dobson, Jr’s, marriage to Shirley Deere on August 27, 1960* and prayed over them to consecrate their oneness.
God gave back Jim his art by sending him to teach art and history at Mid-America Nazarene College in 1971.* His portrait was drawn by one of his most talented art students, Ray Craighead* , a few months before his death on December 4, 1977.*
More to Read:
1. “Christian Fathering” film. 3rd film in series from Focus on the Family.
2. Dare to Discipline. By Dr. James C. Dobson, Jr. 1970
3. Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO. 80995
4. Focus on the Family: Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of God's Faithfulness. 2002.
5. Home With a Heart. Dr. James C. Dobson, Jr. 1996.
6. MidAmerica Nazarene College: The Pioneer Years, 1966-1991. Donald S. Metz. Nazarene Publishing House, KCMO, 1991.
7. Parenting Isn’t for Cowards. By Dr.James C. Dobson. 1987.
9. Straight Talk to Men and Their Wives. By Dr.James C. Dobson. 1980.
10. Turning Hearts Toward Home. By Rolf Zettersten. Dallas, Tx., Word Pub., 1989.
11. Findagrave #13988865
11. Findagrave #13988865
Places to Visit in KS.:
1. Mid-America Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS., Virtual Tour of Mid-America Nazarene University. Dobson Hall is one of the stops.
A Quote about Professor James Dobson:
"Studying under Professor James Dobson (from 1973-1977) made a profound impact on my life. His keen sense of observation and dedication to the creative process was inspiring not only to me, but to all the students he instructed." ~ Ray Craighead.
I was pleased to find your short history of Rev. James Dobson, Sr. You do your homework well. He was a great man.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you, Mr. Craighead! I'm greatly honored by your visit to my blog. We enjoyed viewing your sketch of Rev. Dobson when we visited Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Co while on vacation several years ago!
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