Jim Bakker, the controversial televangelist who once owned one of the most popular theme parks in the United States but later went to prison for his financial misconduct, has died at age 86. Lori Bakker, Jim Bakker’s second wife, posted a statement on the Facebook page of "The Jim Bakker Show" announcing that her husband had died Monday night. “For 66 years, Jim gave his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Lori Bakker stated.
"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.” “Jim loved people deeply. He loved this ministry, and he loved the friends and partners who stood with him throughout the years.
Even in his final days, his heart was still for the work of God and for the Gospel to continue reaching the world.” Pastor Jay Bakker, the liberal Christian son of Jim Bakker, posted a statement on Facebook in which he said that he and the famed televangelist “had a very complicated relationship" but that "he was also my father and a grandfather and I need to mourn in my own time.” “I need the freedom to feel anger and feel loss and not have other people add their two cents please respect this time for me and my family.
I have turned off all my notifications and all my social media,” Jay Bakker wrote. “Please do not link me to anything or send me anything about him [at] this time. I just need some time to let this settle in and make what peace I can. Thank you for understanding.”