Former televangelist Jim Bakker, who built the PTL Club into a massive Christian broadcasting empire before it collapsed amid financial fraud and scandals, died on Monday at the age of 86. His death was announced in an official statement released by his second wife, Lori Bakker. The family did not immediately release a cause of death.
“For 66 years, Jim gave his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” wrote Lori Bakker on Instagram. “He was a pioneer of Christian television, but to me, he was my husband, my best friend, and the man I was honored to walk beside through so many seasons of life and ministry.”
Rise of the PTL Club and Heritage USA
Jim Bakker rose to national prominence as a pioneer of Christian television. After meeting at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, he married Tammy Faye in 1961. The couple gained widespread national exposure in 1965 when they developed a puppet show for evangelist Pat Robertson’s television program.
In 1974, Jim Bakker founded the PTL organization-standing for “Praise The Lord” or “People That Love.” Through the PTL television programs, Jim and Tammy Faye became household names, constructing a multimillion-dollar evangelical broadcasting empire. They also established Heritage USA, a sprawling Christian theme park located in South Carolina that attracted millions of visitors.
Scandal, Fraud Conviction, and Downfall
Despite their immense success and opulent lifestyle, the ministry crumbled in the late 1980s. In 1987, public allegations emerged that Jim Bakker had s*xually assaulted former church secretary Jessica Hahn, an encounter Bakker maintained was consensual. Around the same time, he was dismissed from the Assemblies of God denomination for conduct unbecoming of a minister.
Financial improprieties soon triggered the complete collapse of Praise the Lord Ministries, and Heritage USA closed in 1989. In 1990, Jim Bakker was convicted on 24 federal counts of fraud and conspiracy related to ministry fundraising practices, particularly the over-selling of “lifetime memberships” to a hotel that was never completed.
He was originally sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, but that sentence was vacated in 1991. He ultimately served nearly five years behind bars before his release.
Later Life and Legacy
While Jim Bakker was imprisoned, Tammy Faye divorced him, later marrying Roe Messner. Tammy Faye passed away from cancer in 2007 at age 65. Jim and Tammy Faye shared two children, including their son, Jay Bakker.
Following his release from prison, Jim Bakker eventually returned to religious broadcasting, later launching The Jim Bakker Show alongside his second wife, Lori. In announcing his passing, Lori Bakker emphasized that his dedication to his faith never wavered.
“Even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world,” Lori wrote, asking for privacy and prayers as the family grieves. “Jim finished his race with faith. His voice, his vision, and his legacy will never be forgotten.”
