James Jones, 76, was all smiles Wednesday in Raleigh as he and his family claimed their share of a jackpot worth $114 million. The retired banker from Greenville purchased one of two winning tickets -- each worth $57 million.
Jones says he's been playing the lottery since 2006 and had won small amounts until now. He realized he won after checking the numbers online.
"I sit at the computer, I probably checked it 10 times and still did not accept the fact," Jones said laughing.
He shared the news with his wife Norma but kept it from the rest of his family for a few days.
"You really want to tell people," he said."You share it with them, but we thought it advisable not to."
Jones will split the money with his two daughters. After taxes, he'll have $20 million and each of his daughters will have a little over $4 million.
"For my daughters, it will certainly mean a less stressful financial life and the ability to follow their life's ambitions," he added.
Jones doesn't expect the money to change his life.
"I may play a little more golf," he said.
He plans to use some of it to pay for his grandchildren's educations. He also wants to donate to charity. When asked if he was planning to buy a new car, he said he recently replaced his car and his wife's car.
"In January, I had an 8-year-old Cadillac, and I bought a new one," Jones said. "I traded it. And two weeks ago my wife had an 8-year-old car, and I bought her a new car. So I don't need a car."
The Jones family has begun the claim process but it could be days before they see their cash.
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