Naperville man claims $265M, largest in Illinois Lottery history

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- A western suburban man calls himself a "Regular Joe," but now his life is anything but regular after claiming a record Mega Millions jackpot.

Jesus Davila Jr. is a father of four and grandfather of four who plays the lottery every day. He said he will keep on playing even after becoming a multi-millionaire.

"You can't win if you don't play," Davila said. "I'm just a regular Joe, I played and I hit it."

Playing the lottery paid off in a big way for Davila, who won $265 million, the largest cash prize in Illinois Lottery history.

The 70-year-old Naperville resident came forward to claim his mega million jackpot, even posing with the winning ticket. Beyond that, his representative did all the talking,

"His dream is to buy a home and he told me a big home with a big lawn so that he can get a big lawnmower and drive it all the time," said Robert Kolt.

Davila bought the $5 Quick Pick ticket at Bucky's Express in Glendale Heights just hours before the Mega Millions drawing Friday, January 16. He watched the drawing at home, not knowing he hit it big at first.

"He thought he had several of them, but not the big winner. He consulted with his son and his son said, 'Dad, you're the winner, you got 'em all!'" Kolt said.

Davila is opting for the onetime cash payment option, which, after taxes, will be $127 million.

Bucky's also cashes in for selling the winning ticket, earning $500,000.

"The owner has that check, but I got to see the check and it was exciting," said Gayle Wojciechowksi, Bucky's Express Director of Operations.

Lottery officials advise winners to research the best way to proceed when they come into a large amount of money. Davila said he consulted with relatives and financial advisors.

In addition to buying the house and lawnmower, Davila said he will share his windfall with his family and charities.