TV Pastor Jim Bakker, Convicted of Fraud, Dies at 86

Jim Bakker, former TV pastor and fraud convict, passes away at 86. Wife Lori announces his death on Facebook.

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — Jim Bakker, a television preacher who was imprisoned in the 1980s for defrauding his followers, has died at the age of 86.

The news of his passing was shared by his wife, Lori, on the “The Jim Bakker Show” Facebook page on Monday night. She expressed her deep sorrow, describing him as a husband, a pioneer of Christian television, and a lifelong partner.

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Lori said, It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening. She reflected on their shared journey through life and ministry, emphasizing the personal bond they shared beyond his public persona.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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