Jim D. Evans grew up in a real estate and auction family. His father, Buford Evans was one of the first licensed brokers and auctioneers in the State of Tennessee. Jim graduated from Nashville Auction School in 1982 and secured his Master Auction License in 1984. In 1985 he opened Jim Evans Appraisal Services in Columbia, TN. From 1985 until April of 1999, Jim performed real estate appraisals of residential and commercial properties all over Tennessee. During this time, he also worked with a national industrial auction firm, selling real estate and equipment all over the United States. Also during this time period, Jim Evans was an approved instructor of real estate and real estate appraisals by the State of Tennessee. He has provided continuing education and seminars on real estate related subjects all over Tennessee. In 1999, Jim joined a group of local businessmen to form the Community First Bank and Trust in Columbia, Tennessee.