Metro East Sun

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar died Sunday at age 79 after battling pancreatic cancer. Edgar, who served as the state’s governor from 1991 to 1999, was remembered for his steady leadership and focus on fiscal responsibility.

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.”

Edgar’s tenure as governor followed a period of high spending by his predecessor and preceded administrations marked by scandal. According to The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent by Robert P. Howard, Taylor Pensoneau and Peggy Boyer Long, Edgar was described as “the right governor at the right time” who was “comparatively dull, yet popular throughout his two terms.” In 1994, he won a landslide victory across 101 counties—the second-largest margin in Illinois gubernatorial history.

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

During his time in office, Edgar prioritized reducing state debt and reforming welfare agencies while also increasing education funding for early childhood programs through K-12 schools. He signed legislation establishing charter schools in Illinois in 1996 and supported initiatives like improved pre-natal care for low-income families. Under his leadership, the state created the Department of Human Services to streamline social services delivery as well as KidCare—a health insurance program for children from low-income families—and enacted measures such as the Sex Offender Registration Act.

Upon leaving office in 1999, Edgar left Illinois with a balanced budget and an improved credit rating after having faced a $1 billion deficit when he started. As noted by Howard, Pensoneau and Long: “Edgar faced a $1 billion debt on his first day as governor. On his last day, he left a $1 billion cash balance for his successor.”

State Rep. Kevin Schmidt commented on Edgar’s legacy: “Governor Edgar changed Illinois for the better, and his commitment to public service will always be remembered.” Schmidt is a Republican elected to represent Illinois’ 114th House District beginning in 2023 (https://ballotpedia.org/Kevin_Schmidt).

Born in Oklahoma before moving to east-central Illinois as a child, Edgar graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in history. He began his political career as an intern with the General Assembly before serving two terms as Secretary of State following an appointment by Governor Jim Thompson.

Thompson reflected on Edgar’s public service: “Throughout his public career,” Thompson said, “his actions and his work have been in the best tradition of public service.”

As Secretary of State, Edgar campaigned against drunk driving and advocated mandatory auto insurance for drivers while supporting libraries statewide.

After retiring from elective office, Edgar remained active through initiatives such as founding the bipartisan Edgar Fellows program at the University of Illinois—a leadership training ground that has helped launch many careers in public service.

Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain spoke about this legacy: “So many of us here in this chamber are proud to be part of the strong alumni group of the Edgar Fellows Program. I participated in the Edgar Fellows program in 2014… All of us have these same stories and experiences… brought together by one very special person: Governor Jim Edgar.”

Rep. Jason R. Bunting recounted meeting Governor Edgar during a childhood visit to Springfield which inspired him toward community service; Rep. Nicole La Ha emphasized her gratitude for participating in the Fellows program; Rep. David Friess acknowledged being mentored through it; Rep. Dennis Tipsword recalled receiving encouragement from Edgar after debating policy issues.

Tributes since Sunday highlighted Governor Edgar’s reputation for decency and compassion along with efforts aimed at improving life across Illinois.

He is survived by wife Brenda and their two children.