BRANSON, Mo. – Jim Bakker, a significant figure in American Christian television, has passed away at the age of 86. His second wife, Lori Bakker, confirmed the news, though the cause of his death has not been disclosed yet.
Known for creating “The PTL Club” alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, Jim Bakker rose to fame in the 1980s with their dynamic television show. However, their success was overshadowed by scandal, leading to the collapse of their empire.
Lori Bakker expressed her deep sorrow, stating, “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.” The couple had been living in Branson, Missouri, where they launched “The Jim Bakker Show” in 2003. Jim had suffered a stroke in 2020, which affected his health significantly.
Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker became cultural icons in the 1980s, even being parodied on shows like “Saturday Night Live.” Their story was recently highlighted in the film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” which premiered in 2021, showcasing their rise and fall in the world of televangelism.
In the mid-1980s, their ministry was flourishing, with “The PTL Club” attracting as many as 13 million viewers each night, alongside the establishment of the Heritage USA theme park in South Carolina. Jim Bakker’s journey began in Muskegon, Michigan, where he attended North Central Bible College, eventually marrying Tammy Faye in 1961. They initially traveled the country as a preaching duo before gaining fame on Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network.
However, their success took a dark turn in March 1987, when Jim admitted to a sexual encounter with a church employee, prompting his resignation. The ensuing scandal revealed financial misconduct, leading to Bakker’s indictment for fraud in 1988 and a prison sentence. Despite these challenges, Tammy Faye remained by his side, famously emotional during public appearances.
Their marriage ultimately ended in 1992, while Jim was still incarcerated. After his release in 1994, he married Lori Bakker in 1998. Together, they continued in ministry, launching “The Jim Bakker Show” and addressing various contemporary issues, though his controversial claims about health products led to legal challenges, including a lawsuit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the ups and downs of his life, Jim Bakker’s impact on Christian media remains significant. He is survived by his second wife, Lori, and their five adopted children, alongside the legacy he built with Tammy Faye, who passed away from cancer in 2007.
This article reflects on the complex life of Jim Bakker, a man who experienced both the heights of fame and the depths of scandal, leaving a lasting mark on the world of televangelism.
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Salter, a former Associated Press journalist, was the main author of this obituary.
