Jim Simon’s family has been in the sugar business for several generations. His grandfather was a sugar producer in St. James Parish, his father (the late Lynn Simon) served as County Agent in St. Mary Parish for many years, and his brother (Rene Simon) is a retired farmer.

Simon, a graduate of Louisiana State University, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Mechanization in 1983 and completed the LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Program in 2003. He has twenty years of experience in the local banking industry, including twelve years as Senior Vice President of Hibernia National Bank in New Iberia, La. He has served on the directory boards of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce (serving as Chairman of the Board), Kiwanis Club of New Iberia (serving as President), Iberia Industrial Development Foundation, Louisiana Sugar Cane Fair and Festival Association, and Shadows on the Teche – National Trust Property (serving as Chairman of the Advisory Council). He began his tenure as the ASCL general manager in 2004.

Simon resides in New Iberia with his wife Nancy and four children.