Jim Edgar Passes Away: Former Illinois Governor and Republican Leader Dies at 79

CHICAGO (WLS) — Jim Edgar, a former Governor of Illinois, has passed away at 79, as announced by his family on Sunday. He was the state’s governor from 1991 to 1999.

Edgar was the last Republican governor in Illinois elected to more than one term. He is remembered as someone who served the state well.

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The family issued a statement saying, “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Jim Edgar passed away this morning in Springfield from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer. We are deeply grateful for the love, support and kindness so many have shown to Jim and our family over these last several months.”

In January 1991, Edgar was sworn in as the 38th Governor of Illinois, beginning the first of his two terms. He is remembered for being a man of principle and conviction, who aimed to collaborate with both Republicans and Democrats.

“I seek cooperation, not confrontation with the legislature,” Edgar said in 1991.

Gary Mack served as Edgar’s press secretary.

“He always did what he believed was in the best interest of the state, consistently reached across the aisle, and was always ready to face the consequences,” Mack stated.

Edgar was born in Oklahoma, but moved to Charleston, Illinois as a boy, where his interest in politics began in first grade.

Edgar’s political journey began in 1974 with his election to the Illinois House, where he served two terms before Governor Jim Thompson selected him as his legislative liaison.

In 1981, Edgar was appointed as Secretary of State by Thompson to fill a vacancy. Edgar was reelected twice, led initiatives against drunk driving, and in 1990 introduced the first mandatory liability insurance requirement.

“And if people do not obey the law that says you have to have insurance, they’re gonna pay a steep price,” Edgar said in 1990.

Edgar was a fiscal conservative. When he ran for office the state was facing a then-record one billion dollar deficit. He successfully campaigned for making the state’s temporary 20% income tax permanent, against the advice of his staff.

“He looked at the numbers at length and said, ‘Nope, we need to keep this revenue, if we don’t keep it, the state of Illinois can’t function, and I can’t govern,'” Mack said.

Edgar was elected to a second term in 1994 in a landslide. During his time in office he ramped up school spending and in 1995 he overhauled the Chicago Public Schools system.

“He was not an ideologue. He was a man that put the finances of the state and also the real priorities of the state transportation, public safety, finances, ahead of social issues,” former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin said.

Edgar was nicknamed the “conservation governor” for his efforts to expanding recreational space across the state. In 1997, he announced he would not run for re-election.

“He will be remembered as one our best and finest governors,” Durkin said.

In late May, Edgar, who was undergoing chemotherapy treatment, was honored with a plaque as the Illinois State Library’s reading room was renamed in his honor for his many contributions to the state’s library and literacy programs.

“There was no job that I enjoyed more than being state librarian,” Edgar said. “If you know anything about me, you know I love books.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“MK and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a model public servant, a devoted father and husband, and an honest and honorable man.

“I was lucky enough to consider him a friend and mentor and have found myself drawing from his words of wisdom on countless occasions. His commitment to reaching across the aisle in service of the people of Illinois undeniably made our state better.

“Now more than ever, we should channel that spirit and resolve to live as Governor Edgar did: with honesty, integrity, and an enduring respect for all.

“He will live on in the incalculable number of lives he touched and in the stronger institutions he helped build. To honor his legacy, I will direct flags across Illinois to half-staff.

“My thoughts are with Brenda, Brad, Elizabeth, and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.”