Who is Jim Bakker? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: James Orsen Bakker

Age: 84 Years, 84 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Lori Bakker (m. 1998), Tammy Faye Messner (m. 1961–1992)

father: Raleigh Bakker

mother: Furnia Lynette Irwin

children: Jay Bakker, Tammy Sue Bakker-Chapman

Televangelists American Men

U.S. State: Michigan

More Facts

education: North Central University

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1

Where is Jim Bakker now?

Jim Bakker currently resides in Blue Eye, Missouri, where he is the host of "The Jim Bakker Show" at Morningside Church.
2

What happened to Jim Bakker and why did he go to prison?

Jim Bakker was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy in 1989, for overselling lifetime memberships to his PTL ministry's hotel. He served five years in prison.
3

Is Jim Bakker still on TV?

Yes, Jim Bakker continues to appear on television with his show, "The Jim Bakker Show," where he discusses faith, current events, and sells various products.
4

What is Jim Bakker's current ministry about?

Jim Bakker's current ministry focuses on promoting Christian faith, preparing for the end times, and selling survivalist products through his television show and website.
5

How did Jim Bakker's scandal impact his ministry?

Jim Bakker's scandal in the late 1980s, led to the downfall of his PTL ministry and tarnished his reputation, but he later made a comeback with a new ministry focused on survivalism and end-time preparation.

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Career

Jim Bakker began his career in 1966 when he began working with his wife at Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network. The couple helped the network grow with their successful shows, such as ‘The 700 Club’, ‘The PTL Show’ and ‘The Jim and Tammy Show’. The Bakkers also built Heritage USA in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It was the third most successful theme park in the country at that time. They also built a satellite system to distribute their network nationwide 24 hours a day.

Bakker is also a writer. The books authored by him include ‘I Was Wrong’, ‘Eight Keys to Success’ and ‘Prosperity and the Coming Apocalypse’.

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Fall from Grace

Jim Bakker fell from grace when it was revealed that he was having an affair with his secretary Jessica Hahn. According to Hahn, she was also raped by Bakker and Pastor John Wesley. She also alleged that they paid her nearly $300,000 for her silence. In May 1987, Bakker was dismissed as an Assemblies of God minister.

Later, Bakker was indicted in 1988 on eight counts of mail fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy. After a five-week trial in 1989, he was found guilty by a jury on all counts. Judge Daniel Potter sentenced him to 45 years in federal prison, and imposed a $500,000 fine. Later, his sentence was reduced to eight years.

After serving almost five years of his sentence, he received parole in July 1994. His son spearheaded a letter-writing campaign to the parole board advocating leniency. In December 1994, Bakker was eventually released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons custody. Jim Bakker has been criticized by other evangelists such as Jerry Falwell and Jimmy Swaggart.

Personal Life

Jim Bakker was born on 2nd January 1940 as James Orsen Bakker in Muskegon, Michigan, to Raleigh Bakker and Furnia Lynette Irwin. He studied at North Central University, where he met his future wife Tammy Fays LaValley. He used to work at a restaurant while she worked at a nearby boutique.

They got married on 1st April 1961. The couple became evangelists after they left college. Their first child was a daughter named Tammy Sue Bakker Chapman (born on 2nd March 1970). They had another child, a son named Jamie Charles Bakker, born in 1975. The couple divorced on March 13, 1992. Bakker married Lori Beth Graham in 1998. She is a former evangelist.

Facts About Jim Bakker

Jim Bakker once ran a theme park called Heritage USA that attracted millions of visitors in the 1980s.

He is known for his colorful and flamboyant personality, often wearing flashy suits and ties during his TV appearances.

Bakker has written several books on faith and spirituality, sharing his insights and experiences with his followers.

Despite facing legal troubles in the past, Bakker has continued to preach and spread his message of hope and redemption.

He has a devoted following of supporters who admire his resilience and commitment to his beliefs.

Jim Bakker Biography

You wanted to know

Where is Jim Bakker now?

What happened to Jim Bakker and why did he go to prison?

Is Jim Bakker still on TV?

What is Jim Bakker's current ministry about?

How did Jim Bakker's scandal impact his ministry?