Famed televangelist Jim Bakker dead at age 86

Famous Christian televangelist Jim Bakker passed away on Monday at the age of 86, according to his wife.

Bakker was one of the most prominent television evangelists of his time before he was convicted of financial crimes and admitted to having an affair with a church secretary.

In 1987, Bakker admitted to a sexual encounter with Jessica Hahn. … Two years later, he was convicted of fraud and conspiracy.

“It is with a broken heart that I share that my beloved husband, Jim Bakker, went home to be with the Lord this evening,” said Lori Bakker, his second wife, in a statement.

“For 66 years, Jim gave his life to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ,” she wrote. “He was a pioneer of Christian television, but to