James Farthing, also known as James S. Farthing or Shannon Farthing, is an American man who became widely known in April 2025 after winning a $167.3 million Powerball jackpot in Kentucky — the largest in the state’s history. He shared the prize with his mother, Linda Grizzle. Just two days after claiming the money, Farthing made headlines again when he was arrested in Florida for allegedly assaulting a deputy during a hotel incident.
A convicted felon with a history of theft and drug charges, Farthing was on parole at the time of his win. His 2025 became a mix of extreme fortune and legal trouble, making him one of the most talked-about lottery winners in recent memory.
James Farthing Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | James S. Farthing (also known as Shannon Farthing) |
| Date of Birth | 1975 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 50 years |
| Hometown | Georgetown, Kentucky, USA |
| Current Residence | Georgetown, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
James Farthing Early Life
James Farthing was born in 1975 in Georgetown, Kentucky, where he was raised by his mother, Linda Grizzle. No public details are available about his father or any siblings.
Farthing’s early years were relatively private, but as an adult, he developed a criminal record involving theft and drug-related offenses. Speaking to WKYT-TV in 2025, he reflected on his past, saying, “I’ve made bad decisions, but I’ve kept my faith.”
His regular habit of buying lottery tickets eventually led to his life-changing win in April 2025.
Family Details
Farthing’s mother, Linda Grizzle, shared his Powerball winnings. His girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also arrested alongside him in Florida in April 2025 for disorderly intoxication.
James Farthing Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
| 2025 | Won $167.3 million Powerball jackpot (split with mother) |
| 2025 | Arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer |
Farthing has no publicly known professional career. His fame stems entirely from his Powerball win and subsequent legal trouble. The winning ticket was purchased at Clark’s Pump-N-Shop in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $38–$83 million |
| Main Source | Powerball jackpot winnings |
The Powerball prize offered a cash option of $77.3 million or annual payments over 30 years. After taxes, his share from the lump sum would be about $38.65 million, but his final choice has not been made public.
Controversies
- Arrest After Powerball Win (2025) – On April 29, 2025, just two days after claiming his lottery prize, Farthing was arrested in Florida for allegedly punching a hotel guest and kicking a deputy in the face. He faced charges of felony battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and violating parole.
- Criminal History (Pre-2025) – Farthing had previous convictions in Kentucky for theft, drug trafficking, and organized crime, and was on parole until August 2025 when he won the lottery. (Source)
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