Jim Bakker, an American televangelist, minister, and television personality. However, his success was short-lived as he was later embroiled in several controversies, accounting frauds, and cover-ups. In this article, we delve into the details of Jim Bakker net worth and details.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | James Orsen Bakker |
| Popular Name | Jim Bakker |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | January 2, 1940 |
| Age | 83 years (as of August 28, 2024) |
| Parents | Raleigh Bakker and Furnia Lynette “Furn” Irwin |
| Siblings | Not mentioned |
| Birth Place | Muskegon, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Not mentioned |
| Education | North Central University, Minneapolis |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Spouse | Lori Beth Graham (married in 1998), Tammy Faye Bakker (divorced in 1992) |
| Children | Tammy Sue “Sissy” Bakker Chapman and Jamie Charles “Jay” Bakker |
| Dating | Not applicable |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (as of 2024) |
| Source of Wealth | Televangelism, authorship, television hosting |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 68 Kg or 149 lbs |
What is Jim Bakker Net Worth and Salary in 2024?
As of 2024, Jim Bakker’s net worth is estimated at $500 thousand,. Although he was once one of the most well-known televangelists in America, his wealth has significantly decreased over the years due to several controversies and legal battles.
Bakker’s salary is not publicly disclosed, but it is believed to be considerably lower than what he made during the peak of his career. After his release from prison, Bakker founded Morningside Church in Blue Eye, Missouri, and re-established the PTL ministry.
Today, he hosts “The Jim Bakker Show,” which focuses on the end times and the Second Coming of Christ while promoting emergency survival products. You might also like Jelena Ristic Net Worth.
Why is Jim Bakker Famous?
Jim Bakker rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s by hosting several successful television programs such as “The PTL Club” and its cable television platform, the PTL Satellite Network. He is also credited with developing Heritage USA, a Christian theme park that became one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country during the 1980s.
Bakker’s fame stemmed from his charismatic personality, which captivated millions of Americans who tuned into his shows regularly. His message of hope, faith, and prosperity resonated with many people, leading to a surge in viewer contributions to his ministry.
Jim Bakker Career and Awards
Jim Bakker’s career began in 1966 when he and his wife started working at Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network in Portsmouth, Virginia. The pair significantly contributed to the floundering network’s growth, hosting a children’t variety program called “Come On Over.”
Due to this success, Bakker was appointed the host of a new primetime talk show, “The 700 Club.” After leaving the network in 1972, Bakker and his wife partnered with Paul and Jan Crouch to cofound California’s Trinity Broadcasting Network. However, a falling-out between Bakker and Crouch curtailed the partnership after eight months.
In 1974, Bakker and his wife started hosting “The PTL Club,” which quickly became one of the most popular Christian television programs in the country. At the peak of their power, Jim and Tammy Faye were bringing in $1 million every week in viewer contributions to their ministry.
Despite the success of his ministry, Bakker’s career took a hit when accusations of accounting fraud surfaced. In 1987, Bakker was indicted on 15 counts of wire fraud, eight counts of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy. He was found guilty of all counts and sentenced to 45 years in federal prison with a fine of $500 thousand.
Jim Bakker Biography Overview
Early Life
James Orsen Bakker was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on January 2, 1940. His parents were Raleigh Bakker and Furnia Lynette “Furn” Irwin. Bakker attended North Central University, a Minneapolis bible college affiliated with the Assemblies of God, where he met fellow student Tammy Faye LaValley in 1960.
Education
Bakker attended North Central University, a Minneapolis bible college affiliated with the Assemblies of God. He left college to become an itinerant evangelist with his wife, Tammy Faye Bakker.
Personal Life
Bakker married Tammy Faye Bakker on April 1, 1961. The couple had two children together. They divorced in 1992 after several years of legal battles and controversies.
After his release from prison in 1994, Bakker married Lori Beth Graham. The couple founded Morningside Church in Blue Eye, Missouri, and re-established the PTL ministry. Also, check out Jemele Hill Net Worth.
Jim Bakker Latest News 2024
In February 2024, Jim Bakker made headlines when he was accused of misleading viewers into buying survival food buckets that were advertised as having a 25-year shelf life. According to reports, the buckets were only good for a few years and contained expired food products.
The Missouri Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit against Bakker and his company for these false advertising claims. This is not the first time Bakker has been involved in legal battles related to his business practices, as he has faced accusations of fraudulent fundraising and other illegal activities in the past.
Despite these controversies, Bakker continues to host “The Jim Bakker Show,” where he promotes emergency survival products and shares his views on the end times and the Second Coming of Christ.
Jim Bakker Social Media
Follow him on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimbakkershow/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jim_Bakker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimbakkershow/
FAQs About Jim Bakker
What was Jim Bakker’s peak net worth?
At the peak of his career, Jim Bakker and his then-wife Tammy Faye were bringing in $1 million every week in viewer contributions to their ministry.
What led to Jim Bakker’s decline in net worth?
Jim Bakker’s decline in net worth was primarily due to several controversies, accounting fraud, and cover-ups that eventually led to his imprisonment.
Does Jim Bakker still host a television program?
Yes, Jim Bakker continues to host “The Jim Bakker Show,” where he promotes emergency survival products and shares his views on the end times and the Second Coming of Christ.
What legal battles has Jim Bakker been involved in?
Jim Bakker has faced several legal battles related to fraudulent fundraising, accounting fraud, and false advertising claims, among others.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Jim Bakker is a controversial figure in American televangelism who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his successful television programs. However, his career took a hit when allegations of accounting fraud, cover-ups, and other illegal activities surfaced, leading to his imprisonment and decline in net worth.
Despite these controversies, he continues to host his show and share his views on faith and survivalism. Thank you for reading this article with PennBook.
