(LOOTPRESS) – Jim Bakker, the television preacher who helped build a major Christian broadcasting ministry before its collapse amid scandal, died Monday, October 5, at age 86.
His wife, Lori Bakker, announced his death on social media Monday evening. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Bakker became nationally known alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye, through “The PTL Club.” Their ministry also developed Heritage USA, a Christian theme park and resort in Fort Mill, South Carolina, near Charlotte.
His career unraveled in 1987 amid a sexual misconduct scandal and questions about the ministry’s finances. Bakker resigned from PTL and was later convicted of fraud and conspiracy. His original 45-year prison sentence was reduced, and he was released on parole in 1994.
After prison, Bakker returned to religious broadcasting. He married Lori in 1998, and the couple launched “The Jim Bakker Show” in 2003 near Branson, Missouri.
In her announcement, Lori remembered her husband’s attachment to his ministry and longtime supporters.
“Jim loved people deeply,” she wrote.
