Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jesse James’ Net Worth?
Jesse Gregory James, an American entrepreneur and reality television personality, has built a significant fortune over the years. As of March 31, 2025, Jesse James’ net worth is estimated to be $50 million. This wealth has been primarily accumulated through his custom motorcycle business, West Coast Choppers, and his various television appearances.
The Rise of West Coast Choppers and Jesse James’ Career
Founded in 1992, West Coast Choppers has grown into a merchandising and lifestyle empire. The company’s headquarters in Long Beach occupied an 18,000 square foot warehouse before its closure in 2010. Bikes from West Coast Choppers can fetch prices ranging from $60,000 to $150,000, with custom cars potentially exceeding these figures. Notable clients who have purchased James’ custom bikes include Shaquille O’Neal, Keanu Reeves, Kid Rock, and Tyson Beckford.
In 2006, James ventured into the restaurant business, opening Cisco Burger. Additionally, he was a part-owner of Austin Speed Shop until 2013. His entrepreneurial endeavors also extend to publishing “Garage” magazine and launching clothing lines like Jesse’s Girl and Jesse James Industrial Workwear, as well as Jesse James Firearms Unlimited.
James’ television career began with the Discovery Channel documentary “Motorcycle Mania” in 2000. This led to his own show, “Monster Garage,” which premiered on June 23, 2002, and ran for five seasons with a total of 80 episodes. In 2009, he starred in Spike TV’s “Jesse James Is a Dead Man,” which even spawned a one-shot comic book from Marvel. Furthermore, in 2012, the Discovery Channel aired “Jesse James: Outlaw Garage.” “Monster Garage” made a comeback in January 2021 with new episodes on the Discovery+ streaming network.
Early Life and Personal Background
Jesse Gregory James was born on April 19, 1969, in Long Beach, California. Growing up, he lived with his father, whose antiques business shared a warehouse with a Harley-Davidson aftermarket parts manufacturer. James received his first mini-bike at age 7. He attended La Sierra High School and the University of California in Riverside, where he played as an outside linebacker on the football team until a knee injury sidelined him. Before focusing on custom motorcycles, James worked as a bouncer and bodyguard for bands like Slayer, Soundgarden, and Danzig.
James has been married five times and has three children. His first marriage was to Karla in 1991, with whom he had two children, Jesse Jr. and Chandler, before divorcing in 2002. He then married Janine Lindemulder on October 20, 2002, and they had a daughter named Sunny. After divorcing Janine in 2004, he married actress Sandra Bullock on July 16, 2005. Their marriage ended in divorce in June 2010 after James admitted to infidelity. He was later engaged to tattoo artist Kat Von D in January 2011, but they separated in September 2011. Jesse then married drag racer Alexis DeJoria on March 24, 2013, but they separated in March 2020. In June 2022, he married adult film star Bonnie Rotten.
Legal and Financial Issues
In 2007, Jesse James faced a fine of $271,250 from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for selling motorcycles between 1998 and 2005 that violated the state’s clean-air laws. In 2008, he was sued for $422,680 for breach of contract by a customer who had commissioned a custom car in 2005, alleging that the car was not completed despite a $270,000 payment. James has also been sued by his former lawyers for unpaid fees, including a $327,533 claim in 2008 and a $500,000 claim in 2014.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2010, James acquired a mansion in Austin, Texas, for nearly $2 million. This property features nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a home gym, a private movie theater, “several swimming pools,” and a six-car garage. Jesse James also owns a home in Sunset Beach, California, which is 3,626 square feet and includes four bedrooms and 4.25 bathrooms. The Sunset Beach house has an entrance hall with a stone floor that leads into an open-style living area. The living room features a large fireplace with carved stone surround, and the kitchen includes maple cabinetry, granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, and a wine fridge. The master bedroom, accessible via a curving stone stairway, boasts hardwood flooring, a beam ceiling, a fireplace, and a balcony with ocean views. The Travertine bathroom has double sinks, a steam shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. The property also includes a guest bedroom, an office, a large media/game room, a glass-enclosed lanai, a stone patio, and a waterfall cascading into the swimming pool.
