It’s Jimmy Groves, New York’s $168 Million Mega Man!

James “Jimmy” Groves was one of two winners of the recent $336 million Mega Millions lottery. He lives in the projects in Harlem and works as a laborer at Madison Square Garden. Not exactly a high paying job, Jimmy had just missed a credit card payment, which could explain why he was in a liquor store when he decided to try his luck at Mega Millions with the last dollar in his pocket. You can only imagine the excitement he felt when his numbers floated to the top of that Mega Millions bowl. Word is he hasn’t shown up for that MSG job ever since.

This week he turned in that ticket. Lottery officials will present him with the first of 26 installment checks in a few weeks. In the meantime, he’s been trying to hide out in the Bronx, but yesterday did return to the liquor store where he bought the ticket to celebrate. The drink of choice? Hennessey. Yes, if it’s not clear from the picture, Jimmy Groves is a black man.

So what are you gonna do with all that money Jimmy?

“I’m not working anymore in my life! I won $168 million—it’s mine!”

I am happy that a local guy got lucky, but would really like to track and see where he is with that money in 5 – 10 years.

As a sign of things to come, this morning one of his neighbors was interviewed on 1010 WINS. They commented on how nice a person Jimmy is. That he was down on his luck and God decided to bless him with the winnings.

The catch? In a tone of neighborly entitlement the same person said, “Now he needs to spread the wealth.”

More money, more family and friends you never knew existed.