He received a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University in 1993.[2] In college, he served as President of the Kentucky Future Farmers of America. After college, he started James Comer, Jr. Farms,[3] a 2,300 acres (950 ha) farm with his family,[4] and he is also co-owner of Comer Land & Cattle Co.[5] He also served as a director of the South Central Bank for twelve years.[2] He served as President of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce from 1999 to 2000.[2]