Jim Simon possesses a genuine interest in agriculture and its people. Sugar and rice production along with other agricultural interests have been part of his family for several generations. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Louisiana State University College of Agriculture. In 2016, he was selected as LSU College of Agriculture’s Outstanding Alumnus.

He has served as Chairman of the Board, or Committee chairman of several civic organizations in his hometown of New Iberia, Louisiana.

He is recognized as a national sugar industry leader as he is a Past-Chairman of the Board of the Sugar Association. He is a representative on the American Sugar Coalition, a group that monitors U.S. sugar trade related issues. He is also a past Chairman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Sweetener Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee.

In June 2004, after a career in banking, Jim joined the American Sugar Cane League as its General Manager. He monitors research activities and coordinates the federal and state lobbying activities, and deals with environmental, trade, and other industry issues, as well as social and cultural issues which have a daily impact on the Louisiana sugar industry.