James W. Roberts, a Marianist brother who established Chaminade University of Honolulu's art department and designed the campus's Mystical Rose Oratory, died Thursday in Cupertino, Calif. He was 75.

Those who knew Roberts said he leaves a rich artistic legacy here and in California, where he moved in 2005. He worked in a variety of mediums, including ink, prints, water color, animation, pencil, paint and sculpture.

The work he leaves behind includes the oratory, a prominent chapel on the campus that features a sweeping view of Diamond Head and 13 columns representing Christ and his 12 disciples. He also helped with the circular-shaped chapel's renovation in 2000.

More recently Roberts had provided input into the renovation of a Marianist Center in Cupertino.

"I think he died with his boots on," said Chaminade English professor emeritus Albert Lum, a friend who witnessed Roberts' creative drive. He said his friend had a broad interest in art, from working on frescos with famed Hono-lulu artist Jean Charlot, to producing cartoons for an early documentary on Chaminade to stained glass design and helping produce theatrical sets.

"He had a heart condition but that didn't stop him."

Roberts was born June 15, 1931, in Los Angeles, the son of a set designer for Warner Bros., and served in the Navy before entering the Society of Mary (Marianists) in 1955. He was assigned to locations in the San Francisco Bay area before coming to Hawai'i in 1962.

He began teaching a basic drawing class and for many years was the sole instructor for Chaminade's art department.

"Brother Jim was one of the earliest influences in the development of creative activity at Chaminade, building the university's art program almost single-handedly from a single basic drawing class to the many classes available today," said a 2005 university resolution that honored Roberts' service.

It noted the Marianist brother "played an extraordinary role in encouraging the artistic talent of Chaminade students."

Roberts' importance to the university went beyond the classroom. He and Lum helped organize campuswide events such as speech contests and Shakespeare festivals. He also designed the dual entrance signs for Chaminade and Saint Louis High School.

He moved to Cupertino two years ago. A service at the center is scheduled for Tuesday night, while interment is scheduled Wednesday at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos, Calif.

In Honolulu a memorial Mass for Roberts is scheduled at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Mystical Rose Oratory.

Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.