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Jesse James Television Career
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Jesse James Legal Issues and Divorce Settlements
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Jesse James Motorcycle and Car Collection
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Jesse James Real Estate
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Jesse James Business Ventures
American entrepreneur and reality television star Jesse Gregory James has built a $50 million net worth over the years through his diverse skill set and versatile business ventures. His rise to fame started with his infamous custom motorcycle shop, West Coast Choppers, which he started in 1992 and would later grow into a multi-million-dollar empire. With celebrities like Keanu Reeves and Shaquille O’Neal as customers of the bike shop, it’s no surprise that a bike from West Coast Chopper averages anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000.
His shop’s success would start a domino effect as he would find himself on one of Discovery Channel’s most notorious shows, Monster Garage which aired from 2002 to 2006. He’s also starred in Jesse James is a Dead Man, while also appearing in numerous other productions such as Jesse James: Blacksmith and Jesse James: Outlaw Garage. His success on television coupled with the revenue from his automotive shop and other businesses, net him a reported $10 million to $15 million annually.
Jesse James Television Career
Jesse James’ relatable personality combined with the innovative and quirky vehicles created on “Monster Garage” strongly resonated with the show’s audience, putting it as one of the highest rated on Discovery Channel. While it’s unclear how much exactly he made from the show, estimates put his earnings at $5 million or more for its entire run.
From there, Jesse James expanded his on-screen presence by producing and appearing in documentaries like Jesse James Presents: Austin Speed Shop – Headers, Jesse James Presents: Austin Speed Shop – Bomber Seats, and Jesse James Presents: Off Road Racing Around the World. While he hasn’t done much in the world of television as of recently, his infamous show, Monster Garage made a return in 2021 with new episodes on Discovery+.
Jesse James Legal Issues and Divorce Settlements
While Jesse James’ professional life was smooth sailing for the most part, his personal affairs were a completely different story. His marriage life was as rocky as can be, seeing as how the 54-year-old entrepreneur has admitted to cheating on all his wives, including actress Sandra Bullock. His infidelity alongside the reported affairs he’s had with allegedly over 20 women has cost him more than $25 million in damages and settlements.
In addition to his marital problems, Jesse was also hit with several lawsuits from lawyers, customers, and even the California Air Resources Board. In 2008, a customer filed a $422,680 breach of contract lawsuit against Jesse James in which he claimed that on top of quoting him an additional $600,000, the latter had still not finished working on the plaintiff’s car after two years.
He also got sued by his lawyers on multiple occasions for unpaid fees and damages. In total, Jesse James has had to pay over $2 million in unpaid fees and fines to various sources, which contributed to him losing a good chunk of his net worth.
Fine | California Air Resources Board | $271,250 |
Lawsuit | Unpaid Lawyer Fees | $327,533 |
Lawsuit | Breach of Contract | $422,680 |
Lawsuit | Unpaid Lawyer Fees | $500,000 |
Settlement | Divorce with Janine Lindemulder | $1,000,000 |
Settlement | Divorce with Karla James | $2,000,000 |
Settlement | Multiple Affairs | $11,000,000 |
Settlement | Divorce with Sandra Bullock | $15,000,000 |
Jesse James Motorcycle and Car Collection
Having worked on hundreds if not thousands of motorcycles throughout his career, Jesse James has grown very fond of the beauty these machines offer. From classic roadsters to modern sports bikes, you can find almost anything among the countless bikes in his collection, with his personal touch added to them of course. While it’s unclear how many bikes he owns, his motorcycle collection is valued at over $10 million, with reports stating he spent $1.6 million on a garage for them.
In addition to his obsession with motorcycles, Jesse James has splurged over $2 million on an impressive car collection that boasts classics as old as the 1929 Ford Sedan. Some of his other purchases include a $500,000 Hennessey Ford Raptor, a $400,000 2006 Ford GT, and a $350,000 Ferrari California Coupe. It’s safe to say when it comes to his motor vehicles, Jesse James does not hold back.
Car | 1954 Chevrolet 210 | $20,000 |
Car | 1957 Chevrolet 210 4-Door | $20,000 |
Car | 1969 Chevrolet Impala | $20,000 |
Car | 1929 Ford Sedan | $30,000 |
Car | 1952 Chevrolet Styleline | $30,000 |
Truck | 2006 Chevrolet Silverado Baja Edition | $30,000 |
Car | 1930 Ford Model A Coupe | $35,000 |
Car | 1964 Dodge Polara | $40,000 |
Car | 1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe | $50,000 |
Car | 1951 Mercury Coupe | $55,000 |
Car | 1932 Ford Roaster | $60,000 |
Car | 1962 Chevrolet Impala | $65,000 |
Car | 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner | $69,000 |
Car | 2004 Panoz Esperante | $100,000 |
Car | Jaguar XK-R | $100,000 |
Car | Ferrari California Coupe | $350,000 |
Car | 2006 Ford GT | $400,000 |
Truck | Hennessey Ford Raptor | $500,000 |
Jesse James Real Estate
In 2010, Jesse James would shut down West Coast Choppers headquarters after 18 years of operating in California, reopening 3 years later in Austin, Texas. In the same year he closed down his headquarters, he would purchase a $2 million home in Texas. The spacious mansion features multiple swimming pools, nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a gym, a movie theater, and much more.
He also is still in possession of his 3,626 square foot home in California, which boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.25 bathrooms, a hot tub, a swimming pool, and an ocean view to top it all off.
Jesse James Business Ventures
Throughout his entire career, Jesse James has found himself venturing into several different business endeavors. In addition to his golden goose, West Coast Choppers, he was a former partner of Austin Speed Shop and former owner of the Cisco Burger restaurant, which he later abandoned in favor of other business plans.
His most successful recent project however is his own firearms company, Jesse James Firearms Unlimited, which he launched in 2013, introducing the company’s Cisco 1911 pistol and AR-15. Despite speculation from critics regarding the company’s future, it would prove a great success as he rakes in a reported annual $9 million.