James Gatzke was struggling with depression, and living off handouts and charity, with only his seven cats for company, when he hit the jackpot.
Three weeks ago, the unemployed 44-year-old was eating beef stew out of a can, and scraping by on food and cash donations from neighbours and charities.
His water and power supply had long been cut off, he hadn't worked since August when he was laid off from his job as a cab driver, and he hadn't bathed in months.
"All I wanted for Christmas was to have dinner with my parents in heaven. That's how down and depressed I was," Gatzke said.
A gamble on the Illinois state lottery changed all that, turning the down-at-heel Gatzke into a multi-millionaire overnight when he netted 5.5 million dollars in a November 26 draw.
"It feels like I hit a homerun in the ninth inning of the World Series," he said this week. "I still can't believe it happened."
With no immediate living relatives, Gatzke called on a longtime friend, J.R. Bramlett, to help him manage his new-found funds.
Within a day, Bramlett helped Gatzke open a bank account and buy a car --a black 1991 Cadillac with 155,000 miles on it.
Bramlett also took Gatzke for his first full meal since November 20 -- a prime rib dinner with all the trimmings.
In return, Gatzke made Bramlett his beneficiary should something happen to him.
Gatzke is close to buying a home and barn on 3.5 acres in the country.
He's considering donating the modest brick bungalow that he inherited from his parents in Calumet Park, suburban Chicago, to a local church, and of course he's promising to take care of the two elderly ladies who helped him out during the tough times.
But otherwise, Gatzke is not planning any major changes.
"I'm going to relax and take it easy for a while," he said. "And I am going to play the Mega Millions (lottery)."
One of the coolest lottery stories I've ever read...puts faith in fate and life in perspective for all of us. The '91 Caddy with 155K miles on it was the clincher.
Yes that is a nice story. Don't get the 1991 Caddy with 155K miles on it though. You just got about $2 million after taxes and you buy a 12 year old car. Go out and get that new Caddy.
Personally, I think his friend is steering him right....My guess is the 91 Caddy is all the guy really needs right now and certainly is a heck of a lot cheaper than a new one. Why spend money on a new car just because you can?
I am happy to see someone who needs it win,too. maybe the ticket was a present from someone who thought he needed it ,or maybe ,from the way he was talking ,it was going to be the last he bought,and he lucked out,or maybe he had a dream or just felt lucky. or maybe his angel was watching out for him.
Good things comes to the needy. Just a little faith goes a long way.
One of the coolest lottery stories I've ever read...puts faith in fate and life in perspective for all of us. The '91 Caddy with 155K miles on it was the clincher.
nice heartwarming story however down on luck living on charity and still found money to buy a lottery ticket?
Yes that is a nice story. Don't get the 1991 Caddy with 155K miles on it though. You just got about $2 million after taxes and you buy a 12 year old car. Go out and get that new Caddy.
The story does not mention whether he took (or is taking) the lump sum.
Yeah I know it doesn't mention if he took the the lump sum or not but I hope that he would.
Personally, I think his friend is steering him right....My guess is the 91 Caddy is all the guy really needs right now and certainly is a heck of a lot cheaper than a new one. Why spend money on a new car just because you can?
Nice warm fuzzy story.Thats wh
He took the annuity....
I am happy to see someone who needs it win,too. maybe the ticket was a present from someone who thought he needed it ,or maybe ,from the way he was talking ,it was going to be the last he bought,and he lucked out,or maybe he had a dream or just felt lucky. or maybe his angel was watching out for him.
If he took the annuity, then he probably was VERY foolish.
Yo James. Remember me. I'm your long, long, long, long, lost sister on the 5th generation.
another one for the good guys!! way to go.