JENS C. (Jim) JENSEN, 86, 2643 Avenue A, former police chief and long-time county jailer here, died Tuesday at a local hospital after a week's illness. He had a long and varied career as a businessman and public official.

Born in Denmark, Jensen came to this country at 18. He worked on a farm near Avoca for one year and then came to Council Bluffs. In the 1890's he drove a freight wagon for Omaha and Council Bluffs Transfer Co. In 1910, Jensen formed a partnership with Bill Hansen in a cigar making shop. In the 1920's he operated a retail cigar store at 10 Pearl St.

Twice Jensen was appointed chief of police. He was chosen to head the force in 1918 and 1919 by mayor Louis Zurmuehlen and again in 1932 and 1933 under Mayor John Myrtue.

He was baliff in District Court 1-½ years before becoming jailer. He served under Sheriffs Joe Perry, Riley Nelson and Jack Tyler, and retired late in 1948.

Jensen was the second person named to the fire and police commission, which later became the civil service board. He was a member of St. John's English Lutheran Church and the Danish Brotherhood.

A son, Edward P. Jensen, is currently a member of the City traffic Commission.