This retiree just won $1 million—his plans will warm your heart

Many of us have daydreamed about winning the lottery—whether it’s to ease financial stress, take a dream vacation, or help out the grandkids. For one Illinois retiree, that dream just came true in the most unexpected way. Known only as “Papa,” this lucky winner recently snagged a $1 million prize from a $10 Jumbo Bucks scratch-off ticket.

But what truly stands out isn’t just the win—it’s what he plans to do with it.

His thoughtful, family-focused plans are a touching reminder of what matters most.

A life-changing ticket at a neighborhood store

Papa purchased his winning ticket at a local liquor store on Chicago’s Northwest Side—a routine stop he’d made countless times before.

But this time, when he scanned the ticket in-store, he got a shocking surprise. “It’s all so unbelievable!” he told the Illinois Lottery. “When the prize amount popped up on the screen, I turned as white as a ghost. I tucked the ticket inside my coat and immediately sprinted home.”

Sharing the news with his wife: "What? Are you sure?"

His first move? Telling his wife. He recalled arriving home and saying, “We just won $1 million!”

Her response: stunned disbelief. “She stared at me wide-eyed and just kept saying, ‘What? Are you sure?’”

It’s a moment many of us can imagine—equal parts shock, joy, and gratitude.

Also read: $83 million on hold? What’s delaying a major lottery payout

Family first: setting up grandkids for the future

Rather than making extravagant purchases, Papa and his wife are sticking to their values and thinking of the next generation. “We plan to start college funds for all four of our grandkids,” he said.

For this couple, family has always come first—and that won’t be changing anytime soon.

It’s a powerful reminder that financial windfalls can be used to build a legacy, not just fund a shopping spree.

A winning moment to remember—"Papa" holds up his $1 million Jumbo Bucks check from the Illinois Lottery. Image Source: FOX 32 / Illinois Lottery.

Also read: How one couple used math to win $25 million from the lottery

Honoring heritage with a European trip

Still, they do plan to enjoy a well-earned adventure together.

Papa revealed that despite his Irish and Italian heritage, he’s never been to Europe—until now. “You better believe we’re going overseas for a nice trip,” he said.

From pasta and cobblestone streets to perhaps a pint of Guinness, the journey promises to be a special one.

The odds and the payout

For context, the Jumbo Bucks scratch-off game offers a 1 in 3.61 chance of winning any prize, but the odds of hitting the $1 million jackpot are less than one in a million.

Winners can choose to receive the full amount as $50,000 annually over 20 years, or take a one-time lump sum of $600,000 (before taxes and fees).

Either way, it’s a life-changing prize—especially for someone in retirement hoping to support their loved ones and finally explore the world.

Also read: You won’t believe what this man discovered hidden in his car—it made him $50,000 richer!

A heartwarming reminder of what truly matters

Papa’s story is a feel-good reminder that sometimes, luck finds its way to people who know exactly how to use it.

Whether it’s starting college funds, booking that long-overdue vacation, or simply holding onto the joy of the moment, his story resonates with anyone who values family, legacy, and gratitude.

While most of us won’t hit the jackpot, the choices we’d make if we did say a lot about what matters most.

Read next:

• This grandmother just hit a $150,000 Powerball jackpot thanks to AI—what she did next will surprise you
• The golden ticket to fortune: California woman’s solo victory in $1.2 billion Mega Millions jackpot
• This Walmart worker became a millionaire on a day off – What unexpected move changed her life?

Key Takeaways

• An Illinois retiree known as “Papa” won $1 million from a $10 Jumbo Bucks scratch-off ticket at a local liquor store, only realizing it when he scanned the ticket in-store.
• The lucky winner said he and his wife were both in disbelief at their sudden windfall, describing the moment as “unbelievable.”
• Papa plans to use the money to set up college funds for all four of his grandchildren and take an overseas trip to Europe to honor his Irish and Italian heritage.
• The $1 million prize can be claimed as $50,000 per year over 20 years or as a one-time payment of $600,000, with the odds of winning the top prize being less than one in a million.

If you were to win the lottery, how would you spend it—helping your grandkids, checking off bucket-list trips, or something entirely different? Let us know your lotto dreams in the comments—we love hearing from our community!