James “Jimmy” Keene is an American author, television executive producer, former FBI operative, and successful entrepreneur. Best known for his memoir In with the Devil and the Netflix miniseries Black Bird, Keene transformed his life from a drug dealer to a national hero and storyteller. In 2025, his net worth reflects this remarkable redemption arc.
Personal Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | James “Jimmy” Keene |
| Birthplace | Kankakee, Illinois, U.S |
| Parents | Father James “Big Jim” Keene (police officer); Mother Lynn Keene (restaurant owner) |
| Education | Kankakee Eastridge HS; Triton College; University of Arizona |
| Athletics | Football, wrestling, track & field, martial arts |
| Notable Roles | Drug dealer → FBI informant → author → producer → entrepreneur |
Career Overview
Early Life and Crime
- Jimmy Keene Born on December 31 in Kankakee, Illinois, close to Chicago.
- Juvenile drug dealer by his teens, running a marijuana/cocaine ring while attending high school and university.
Prison & FBI Deal
- In 1996,Jimmy Keene sentenced to 10 years on a drug Conspiracy charge.
- Incarcerated at U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, he agreed to befriend serial killer Larry Hall and extract a confession; served ~17 months and earned early release with a clean record.
Post-Release Success
- Authored In with the Devil (2010), then Black Bird (2022), The Chicago Phoenix (2023), The Wanderer (2024).
- Executive producer and cameo actor in the 2022 miniseries Black Bird.
- Runs real estate ventures, film/TV production, consulting and motivational speaking.
Net Worth Breakdown (2025)
Sources provide varying estimates:
- $25 million according to Leaders Dimension and Wordify.
- $5 million as per The Cinemaholic (2022)—likely outdated given recent success.
Based on the most recent and credible sources, we’ll use the estimate of $25 million.
Breakdown Insights
- Book and TV deals are the primary drivers—especially the $10M from Black Bird rights.
- Entrepreneurial ventures like real estate and consulting reinforce his wealth.
Conclusion
Jimmy Keene’s journey is one of radical transformation—from teenage drug dealer to celebrated author, TV producer, and entrepreneur. By 2025, he has amassed an estimated $25 million, built through literary success, television deals, real estate, and motivational speaking. His life is a testament to resilience, turning past mistakes into platforms for storytelling and change.
