Update: 1/3/2026 - (Org: November 7, 2024)

James Robert Wagner

New Port Richey, FL 34652

From: Nashville, TN

Live in: New Port Richey, FL

Hello fans, friends, and neighbors:

I am doing this GoFundMe page because I am a victim of Hurricane Helene and my Sucker Upper car is very sick. After trying to borrow the money from family and friends with no success, as they too are having hard times, I thought I'd try my luck as a very last resort as I have no other means left to me. I have no other assets that are worth much or that I could sell.

I suffered some serious financial loss due to the storm surge of Hurricane Helene. The storm surge was nearly 5 feet deep when it rose up on my Sucker Upper car, which is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have had a mechanic look it over and he gave me the following estimates for the flood damage:

NOT DONE:

New cables and some wiring (not done)

AC filter, wiring, and charge and fan blower (not done)

New Drivers side seat belt (not done)

A new rebuilt or replaced transmission. (not done)

Oil change and filter (not done)

Back drivers side tire leaks (not done)

DONE:

Sensors to front passenger door control module so turn signals. (done)

Speed odometer not working (done)

Front brakes, rotors, and pads (both sides done)

New front wheel bearings (both sides done)

New starter (done)

New battery (done)

New ignition switch (done)

Some fuses (done)

New Power Steering Pump hose (done)

The total cost of all of this was at first $3,500.00 payable in advance of the work performed. Now it is costing even more to finish the job now estimated up to $7,500+ (never ends).

Some would say just go buy another used car, but fixing mine is the cheapest option given even what used cars go for now.

I have been denied twice by FEMA, and denied by Geico Insurance since I did not carry comprehensive coverage on the car. I guess FEMA really is out of money, but who knows.

So, there you have it. I am running this GoFundMe page for several months to see if I can raise all the funds as I have no other means to come up with that kind of money myself right now.

Feel free to donate what you can, just a little, or a whole bunch! Any amount would be appreciated.

Stay tuned and God bless!

~ Jimmy Roberts (Wagner), New Port Richey, Florida