Jim Somer

Jim is a life-long resident of the City of Salem. He is a graduate of Salem Community High School. In 1970 he received a BA in Business Administration from Lambuth University, Jackson, TN. Following graduation he entered the US Air Force in which he served 5 years. During that service he maintained Salem as his permanent residency.

Upon leaving the service and returning home Jim had the great fortune of being mentored in the Real Estate Business by a soon to retire real estate broker by the name of Melba Williams. Her guidance led him to open the Somer Real Estate office in late 1975. Since that time he has been fortunate to have been working with the residents and businesses of Salem and the surrounding area.

Not foregoing other real estate holdings and opportunities; however, Jim focuses the majority of his time on all aspects of Investment, Commercial and Industrial Real Estate, including listing, selling, leasing, evaluation, managing, and build to suit. This allows Somer Real Estate to truly state they have a full service real estate operation.

It is and has been Jim's belief one should give back to their community; therefore, community service has been a part of his life since 1975. His involvement has included President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Salem Lions Club, 13 years as Secretary of the Governing Board of Salem Township Hospital, over 25 years as a firefighter and Chief of the Salem Fire Protection District and now a Board Trustee, and currently President of the Salem Business and Industrial Commission. Professionally he has been a Director and President of the Egyptian Board of Realtors Board which covers the 30 southern most counties of Illinois.

Salem is Jim's home and he is proud of being a part of it. He thoroughly enjoys watching the community and its residents grow.