Jim Bakker, who died at age 86, was a major figure in American televangelism during the 1970s and 1980s. Working alongside his wife Tammy Faye, Bakker built a sprawling religious media and entertainment operation centered on the PTL network, which broadcast to millions of viewers and generated substantial donations. The couple also operated Heritage USA, a theme park that attracted significant annual attendance.
Bakker and his wife promoted prosperity gospel theology, which held that material wealth reflected divine favor. Their lifestyle reflected this philosophy, featuring luxury vehicles, expensive jewelry, and other high-end possessions. However, this empire faced collapse in 1987 when Bakker was revealed to have paid substantial settlement money to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The disclosure prompted investigations into his business practices and prompted his removal from his ministerial position.
In 1989, Bakker was convicted on fraud charges related to the sale of Heritage USA memberships and sentenced to 45 years in prison. The sentence was later reduced on appeal to eight years. During his incarceration, his marriage to Tammy Faye dissolved. Upon his release, Bakker continued involvement in religious broadcasting, though his messaging shifted from prosperity themes to apocalyptic content. In later years, he became known for promoting survival products and making polarized political and religious statements.
Bakker faced additional legal action in recent years related to the sale of health supplements during a pandemic. He experienced a stroke in 2020. He was survived by his wife, multiple children, and stepchildren from his marriage to Tammy Faye.
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