Jim Bakker, the controversial televangelist known for his role in building an evangelical empire with his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, passed away at the age of 86. He died on a Monday, as confirmed by his second wife, Lori Bakker, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Bakker was recognized as a pioneer of Christian television, and Lori described him as her husband and best friend, expressing her honor in sharing life and ministry with him. The couple relocated to Branson, Missouri, where they filmed “The Jim Bakker Show” since its launch in 2003. Bakker faced health complications after suffering a stroke in 2020.
His rise to fame came through “The PTL Club,” which became a cultural phenomenon during the 1980s and 1990s, drawing millions of viewers and earning the Bakkers notoriety, often lampooned on shows like “Saturday Night Live.” Their ministry included the Christian theme park Heritage USA in South Carolina.
Bakker’s journey began in Muskegon, Michigan, where he attended North Central Bible College, meeting Tammy Faye there. After marrying in 1961, they began a traveling ministry and eventually caught the eye of Pat Robertson, leading to the launch of a children’s program on the Christian Broadcasting Network.
However, their empire faced significant challenges, beginning in 1987 when Bakker admitted to a sexual affair, leading to his resignation. Later, financial investigations resulted in Bakker’s conviction on multiple counts, for which he served a reduced prison sentence. His marriage to Tammy Faye ended in 1992 amid these trials.
Following his release in 1994, Bakker remarried Lori in 1998 and continued his broadcasting career. In 2021, he faced legal issues regarding false claims about a health remedy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bakkers had two children and adopted five more as a family.
