Televangelist Jim Bakker son explains absence from father funeral service

Pastor James Charles Jay Bakker, the son of televangelist Jim Bakker, recorded a video explaining why he missed his father's memorial service on October 12, the Daily Mail reported. The older Bakker died at the age of 86, according to Beliefnet and the Daily Mail. [1][4]

The Daily Mail reported that Jay Bakker had earlier announced his father's death through an Instagram post, stating that he needed time to mourn in peace. In his video, Jay Bakker stated that he visited his father a few weeks ago and had great conversations with him. He said that he was able to say goodbye in person, which is why he decided not to attend the service, the Daily Mail reported. [1]

In additional reports, Yahoo News UK and People.com noted that Jay Bakker opened up about the very complicated relationship he shared with his father after choosing to skip the service. [2][5]

James Orsen Bakker was an American televangelist who hosted The PTL Club program and PTL Satellite Network alongside his former wife Tammy Faye between 1974 and 1987. He also established Heritage USA, a Christian theme park in South Carolina. After serving a prison sentence related to defrauding his parishioners, he returned to televangelism in 2003 to host The Jim Bakker Show until his death in 2026. [7]