Jim Lynch, Cedar Park

Jim Lynch, Cedar Park

Written by Susan VanDeWater Sunday, 07 January 2007

Jim Lynch, owner of Cedar Park Body and Frame, is a quiet, unassuming man. Talking to him, one would not recognize the important role he has played in the growth of Cedar Park.

“Jim Lynch has put more into this city than anyone realizes,” James Hicks, owner of Hicks Construction and a Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce board member said.

Some would say his anonymity is the essence of who he is.

“Jim is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy – you couldn’t pick him out of a crowd,” Bob Young, former Cedar Park police chief and mayor said. “He gives and gives and nobody knows. He doesn’t seek glory for all his good deeds.”

But, as anyone who knows Lynch will tell you, he’s done plenty.

Lynch grew up in South Austin near Del Valle. In 1986, he and his family moved to Cedar Park.

“It was a nice small area,” he said. “My two kids were young and I wanted them to attend Leander schools.”

At the time, Lynch owned an auto repair shop in Austin. But in 1988, he bought the building that today houses his business.

“When I first opened the [Cedar Park] shop on North Park Circle, I could look out my office window and see trees. Now I see Walgreens,” Lynch said. “It’s amazing how much has changed.”

Lynch became involved with the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce as soon as he opened his shop. He served as a board member for 10 years before developing other interests within the Chamber. Today, he remains a gold star member of the Chamber, lending his help where needed.

For many years, he was involved in the Cedar Park Cedar Chopper Festival, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Chamber.

“He was always a major sponsor of the event, supplying us with staff and wreckers at no cost,” Young said.

Lynch has lent his support to the Leander-Cedar Park Youth League and the Cedar Park Police Association, but that’s not where his generosity ends.

“I’ve known him to help single mothers with cancer, and families who have been burned out of their homes,” Young said. “Twelve years ago, he helped a homeless Vietnam veteran by giving him a job. He’s still working at his shop today.”

Lynch still considers Cedar Park a small town, despite how much he’s seen it grow. He hopes the city continues to be a pleasant place for families.

“I want Cedar Park to provide prosperous growth for businesses, have a low crime rate, good schools, and overall, be a good place to live,” he said.

Cedar Chopper Festival

The term “cedar chopper” may hold a negative connotation today, but these hard-working pioneers played an important role in the development of Cedar Park.

“Cedar choppers came in and cut down the good, usable cedar. They hauled it off and sold it to make fence posts or building material,” James Hicks said. “They’re an important part of our history.”

For 25 years beginning in 1976, Cedar Park celebrated its heritage with an annual festival. The Cedar Chopper Festival served as a major fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a gathering for the community.

The Cedar Park Kiwanis originally started the one-day event, which was held in May. The Chamber eventually took over sponsorship, however, and as it grew in popularity, the festival was expanded to two days. “We had several bands performing, arts and crafts booths, pony rides and activities for the kids,” recalls Jim Lynch.

It was held in different locations from year to year, including the Quest Center area where the police station now sits and the soccer fields of New Hope Drive.