Hughesville, MD – A retired firefighter and lifelong Maryland Lottery player from Prince George’s County struck gold with his trusted Powerball numbers, claiming a $150,000 prize after decades of playing the same combination.

James Cooke Jr., a farmer and member of the Jameson-Harrison American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, bought his lucky ticket on December 10 after attending a luncheon at the post. Cooke has used the same numbers for years, each tied to milestones from his firefighting career. This time, they paid off big.

Cooke’s ticket matched four white balls and the Powerball, a combination normally worth $50,000. However, his decision to add the $1 Power Play option tripled his payout to $150,000.

The winning ticket was purchased at the American Legion Post located at 6265 Brandywine Road, where Cooke is known among friends as a loyal lottery player. He said his wife was startled when he shouted in excitement after realizing his win, and word of his good fortune quickly spread through the Legion hall.

Although retired from the fire service, Cooke continues to work daily running his family farm. He plans to use part of his winnings to remodel his kitchen and save the rest for the future.

Prince George’s County farmer and retired firefighter wins $150,000 Powerball prize using his longtime lucky numbers.

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