Is Jim Bakker Still Alive? What is Jim Bakker Doing Now?
by Harini
Updated Jun 09, 2023
Is Jim Bakker Still Alive?
Jim Bakker, the renowned televangelist and former host of The PTL Club, continues to lead an active life. His journey began when he met Tammy Faye LaValley at North Central University in Minneapolis in 1960, and the two quickly formed a strong bond. They embarked on a path as itinerant evangelists, traveling across the United States before settling in North Carolina, where they gained notoriety for their late-night talk show, The PTL Club.
Despite experiencing setbacks such as the failure of their religious theme park, Heritage USA, and various scandals, including allegations of sexual misconduct against Jim, the controversies surrounding the Bakkers persisted. In 1985, an IRS report revealed that $1.3 million in ministry funds had been misused for personal purposes between 1980 and 1983.
Subsequently, legal troubles arose for The PTL Club and Jim Bakker, as they were charged with fraudulent activities related to selling "lifetime memberships" for $1,000 each, promising stays at an unfinished luxury hotel in Heritage USA. In 1988, Jim faced indictment on multiple counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Found guilty on all 24 counts, he initially received a sentence of 45 years in prison.
However, a new sentencing hearing in 1991 led to a reduction in Jim's sentence to eight years, and he was ultimately paroled after serving five years. Following his release in 1994, he faced a hefty debt of $4 million owed to the IRS. Additionally, Jim and Tammy Faye divorced in 1992. In 2003, he returned to television and remarried a woman named Lori. Since then, Jim has been hosting The Jim Bakker Show daily through his company, Morningside Church Productions Inc.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Jim Bakker is still alive and active today. However, in May 2020, he suffered a stroke shortly after being involved in another controversy. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Jim Bakker faced a lawsuit in March 2020, filed by Missouri's Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Concerned individuals were seeking potential treatments for the virus, and Bakker and The Jim Bakker Show came under fire for promoting "Silver Solution" as a cure, which was proven to be false. As a result, a settlement was reached in August 2021, requiring Jim to pay $156,000 in restitution to his viewers
Who is Jim Bakker?
James Orsen Bakker, born on January 2, 1940, is an American televangelist known for his involvement in the television program The PTL Club and the PTL Satellite Network, which he co-hosted with his former wife, Tammy Faye, from 1974 to 1987. He was also the visionary behind Heritage USA, a Christian theme park in Fort Mill, South Carolina, which is no longer operational.
In the late 1980s, Bakker's career took a significant turn when he resigned from the PTL ministry amidst allegations of a cover-up involving hush money paid to church secretary Jessica Hahn in relation to an alleged rape incident. Further revelations regarding accounting fraud emerged, leading to his conviction on felony charges, imprisonment, and eventual divorce. Following these events, Bakker remarried and returned to televangelism. He founded Morningside Church in Blue Eye, Missouri, and successfully revived the PTL ministry.
Currently, Bakker serves as the host of The Jim Bakker Show, a program that centers around topics related to the end times and the Second Coming of Christ, while also promoting emergency survival products. Additionally, Bakker is an author, having penned several books, including "I Was Wrong" and "Time Has Come: How to Prepare Now for Epic Events Ahead."
Jim Bakker Net Worth
Jim Bakker, a prominent American televangelist and convicted fraudster, is estimated to have a net worth of around $1 million in 2023, according to various online sources such as Wikipedia, Forbes, and Bloomberg. Bakker gained recognition in the television industry through his involvement in the show "The PTL Club," which he co-hosted for an extensive period of time. He has established himself as a charismatic televangelist and has made significant contributions to the field.
Notably, Bakker is the founder of Heritage USA, a Christian theme park located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. However, his career has not been without controversy, as he faced allegations of rape from the church secretary, Jessica Hahn. Bakker resigned from the PTL ministry in the late 1980s, following revelations of fraudulent activities.
Bakker has also hosted a show called "The Jim Bakker Show," which centers around topics related to the Second Coming and the end times. Furthermore, he has authored several books, including "Time Has Come: How to Prepare Now for Epic Events Ahead" and "I Was Wrong." In the early stages of his career, Bakker worked for Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network, further solidifying his presence as a televangelist and television personality.
What is Jim Bakker Doing Now?
Jim Bakker is presently engaged in hosting The Jim Bakker Show, a program that centers around topics related to the end times and the Second Coming of Christ. Alongside these discussions, Bakker also promotes emergency survival products on his show.
In addition to his television endeavors, he has authored several books, such as "I Was Wrong" and "Time Has Come: How to Prepare Now for Epic Events Ahead." These publications delve into themes related to personal reflection, acknowledging past mistakes, and providing guidance on preparing for significant events that may lie ahead.
Jim Bakke New Wife
Jim Bakker's current wife is Lori Bakker. They got married in 1998, and Lori has been an integral part of Jim Bakker's ministry and television show, The Jim Bakker Show. As a co-host of the program, she actively contributes to discussions on various topics related to faith, spirituality, and preparedness.
Lori Bakker's presence and support have been significant in Jim Bakker's life since his release from prison in 1994. Together, they continue to work together in their shared mission to spread their message and engage with their audience through their television program
How Old is Jim Bakke?
Jim Bakker, the prominent televangelist, has reached the age of 83. Born on January 2, 1940, he has experienced a long and eventful journey throughout his life. Known for his involvement in the religious community and his media presence, Bakker has faced various challenges and controversies over the years.
Despite the ups and downs, he continues to navigate life's path, bringing his unique perspective and insights to the world as he embraces his current stage of life at 83 years old.
Jim Baker Bio
Name
Jim Bakker
Born
January 2, 1940 (age 83)
Birth Place
Muskegon, Michigan, U.S.
Spouses
Tammy Faye LaValley(m. 1961; div. 1992)
Lori Beth Graham (m. 1998)
Children
7, including Jay Bakker
Proffession
Televangelist,Entrepreneur
Net Worth
$1 Million
Is Jim Bakker Still Alive? What is Jim Bakker Doing Now?-FAQ
Currently, Jim Bakker continues to host The Jim Bakker Show, a television program focusing on topics related to faith, spirituality, and preparedness.
Jim Bakker's current wife is Lori Bakker. They got married in 1998 and have been working together in their ministry and television endeavors
Jim Bakker's net wort will be around $1 Million
Jim Bakker has served in various congregations throughout his career. Some notable ones include The PTL Club, Heritage USA, Heritage Village Church, and Morningside Church.
Jim Bakker, whose birth name is James Orsen Bakker, was born on January 2, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan, United States.