Jack Van Impe, a Michigan televangelist who spent decades warning that the end times were near, died on Jan. 18. He was 88.
Both beloved and controversial, Van Impe was revered by some for his teachings on bible prophecy. He was known as the “The Walking Bible” because of his ability to memorize more than 22,000 verses from the King James Version of the Bible.
“The beloved Dr. Jack Van Impe was welcomed into Heaven by His blessed Savior and Lord who he had so faithfully served in ministry for over 70 years,” read an announcement posted by Jack Van Impe Ministries International.
“Please pray for his beloved wife and lifelong ministry partner Rexella and their families as they grieve this immense loss and for wisdom as she and the board lead the ministry in the days ahead.”
Van Impe was born on Feb. 9, 1931, in Freeport to Oscar and Marie Louise Van Impe. He graduated from Detroit Bible College in 1951 and married Rexella Shelton in 1952.
The Van Impes presented live evangelism events for 12 years, conducting 260 citywide tours and 800 week-long church tours.
During his career, Van Impe’s sermons were broadcast from legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu.
Jack Van Impe Presents debuted in 1980 and became one of the highest-rated Christian programs on TV. It was broadcast to as many as 25,000 cities each week, and more than 150 countries worldwide.
The most recent episode of his program featured footage of Jack Van Impe giving a sermon about the seven signs of the end times, followed by his wife signing off until the next week’s program.
Memorial services celebrating Van Impe’s life and ministry will be held Saturday, Feb. 1 with a viewing at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. at Woodside Bible Church, Troy Campus, 6600 Rochester Road, in Troy.
There will be a public visitation on Friday, Jan. 31 from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the church.
Jack Van Impe Ministries International posted a video tribute to its leader, which you can see below.
