James Jensen, curator of contemporary art at the Honolulu Museum of Art and a beloved figure in the arts community, died Wednesday in Honolulu. He was 67.

Known affectionately as “Jim” to his family and “Jay” to his friends and business acquaintances, Jensen devoted his life to art. He began working for the museum, then known as the Honolulu Academy of Arts, in 1976, as an aide to the director. He eventually worked his way up to Curator of Contemporary Art at The Contemporary Museum and then the Honolulu Museum of Art when the two merged in 2011.

He was described by friends and associates as a consummate curator who lived and breathed art.

A celebration of life is planned for Jensen at 11 a.m. April 29 at the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House. A free shuttle service will be available from the Honolulu Museum of Art School. Additional parking will also be available at 1035 Kinau St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Jensen Acquisition Fund for Contemporary Art at the Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814.