James Francis Cinq-Mars

James Francis Cinq-Mars slipped away peacefully on February 24, 2004, after a lengthy illness. Jim will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as a talented artist, musician, and creative thinker. He had boundless curiosity and was a voracious reader with a real sense of scientific inquiry. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on June 10th, 1951, Jim spent many happy summers digging clams and playing on the beach with his cousins. He discovered the drums early and began playing professionally at the age of 15, when he joined Frankie Gubala and the Polka Fun Boys, a popular band in the Boston area. He moved to Austin in 1970 to study art at the University of Texas. After enduring so many harsh New England winters, Jim showed up in Texas in his 1961 Ford Fairlane, with blankets and bags of sand in the trunk. “You never know,” he’d say. In Austin, Jim played percussion with Dan Del Santo and the Professors of Pleasure, while pursuing his career as a graphic designer. Later, he was the owner of Jim Cinq-Mars Design, a successful business. He smoothly made the transition from working at a drafting table to sitting in front of a computer. Always, he enjoyed the creative process. Jim was a wonderful father and loyal friend to many. He is loved and will be dearly missed. Jim is survived by his son Julian James Cinq-Mars; sister, Diane Lescault of South Paris, Maine; brother Thomas Carr and wife Renee of Gilbert, Arizona; former wife, Robbie Lueth, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank John Wilson, Gerry Patrick, Dr. Elliot Trester and other friends who cared for Jim during the last year of his life. Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 6248, Austin, TX 78762, as they provided a lifeline for Jim. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Wednesday, March 3rd, at 6:00 p.m., at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com