Sangamon Sun

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who led the state from 1991 to 1999, has died at age 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. News of his passing was met with tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting on his decades of public service and impact on Illinois government.

Governor Edgar previously served as Secretary of State and as a state legislator before becoming governor. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie said, “Governor Edgar was a dedicated public servant who led with independence, humility, and a genuine commitment to bringing people together. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked tirelessly to build bridges across party lines, strengthen Illinois’ fiscal foundation, and put the needs of our citizens ahead of politics. His steady leadership and principled example earned respect from Republicans and Democrats alike.”

House Republican Conference Chair Jeff Keicher also reflected on Edgar’s legacy: “Illinois has lost a great statesman and a genuinely decent person with the passing of former Governor Jim Edgar. It was a high honor for me to have been named an Edgar Fellow and to have had the opportunity to know him. He was an amazing man who accomplished a great deal for our state. Rest in peace.” Keicher has represented Illinois' 70th House District since being elected in 2018, succeeding Robert W. Pritchard.

The book The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent described Edgar as “the right governor at the right time,” noting that he governed between more turbulent administrations. Authors Robert P. Howard, Taylor Pensoneau and Peggy Boyer Long called him “comparatively dull, yet popular throughout his two terms.” In 1994, Edgar won re-election in a landslide victory across 101 counties.

Edgar announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in February this year. At that time he stated: “Brenda and I remain hopeful, and we are grateful for the kindness of so many who have offered their prayers and support. We do not underestimate this challenge, but we have confidence in the medical team helping us address it.”

During his tenure as governor, Edgar focused on reducing spending while increasing funding for education initiatives such as early childhood programs and K-12 schools. He enacted guaranteed funding levels for students that were raised over three consecutive years. Other notable actions included signing into law caps on local property tax increases; creating charter schools through legislation passed in 1996; establishing KidCare health insurance for low-income children; forming the Department of Human Services; improving pre-natal care; expanding preschool programs; enacting the Sex Offender Registration Act in 1995; balancing the budget; and improving Illinois’ credit rating.

“Edgar faced a $1 billion debt on his first day as governor,” wrote Howard, Pensoneau and Long. “On his last day, he left a $1 billion cash balance for his successor.”

Rep. Patrick Windhorst said: “Governor Edgar dedicated much of his life to public service. May God Bless and comfort his family at this difficult time.”

Born in Oklahoma but raised in east-central Illinois, Edgar graduated from Eastern Illinois University where he met his wife Brenda before entering politics as an intern with the General Assembly.

Former Governor Jim Thompson appointed Edgar Secretary of State when Alan Dixon moved to the U.S. Senate in 1980. Thompson said: “Throughout his public career…his actions and his work have been in the best tradition of public service.” As Secretary of State, Edgar promoted anti-drunk driving measures and required auto insurance for motorists.

After leaving office in 1999, Edgar continued supporting future leaders by founding the bipartisan Edgar Fellows program at University of Illinois—a leadership initiative credited by current legislators as influential to their careers.

Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain remarked: “So many of us here in this chamber are proud to be part of the strong alumni group of the Edgar Fellows Program...All of us have these same stories and experiences...brought together by one very special person: Governor Jim Edgar.”

Other members including Rep. Jason R. Bunting—who recalled meeting Governor Edgar during childhood—Rep. Nicole La Ha—who cited her selection as an honor—and Rep. David Friess all paid tribute to both personal interactions with him and broader impacts through mentorship.

Rep Dennis Tipsword remembered debating issues during an event attended by Governor Edgar: “Instead [of reproach], he smiled at me with his remarkable smile...He went on to thank me for my professional debate…and staying on point…He went on to ask about my wife…kids…and grandkids.”

Colleagues widely praised Governor Edgar’s decency following news of his death Sunday afternoon.

He is survived by wife Brenda and children Brad and Elizabeth.