James Mounger, a New Orleans real-estate lawyer who never stopped collecting art to adorn his Uptown home and was beloved in the art community, died Monday at his home. He was 82.

The cause of death has not been determined, said Timothy Ratchford, his companion.

Mounger’s boundless joy in acquiring all kinds of art, especially pieces by Louisiana artists, kept propelling him to openings and galleries so he could meet artists and learn about — and acquire — their work, said Arthur Roger, the owner of a gallery bearing his name.

Mounger’s artworks, which he frequently moved around, dominated his home. They included works by such artists as George Dureau , Robert Gordy, Ida Kohlmeyer , Lin Emery, Douglas Bourgeois and Mitchell Gaudet. Woodworks were on display, as well as kinetic figur

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