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ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar died on Sunday at the age of 79.
Edgar, a Republican who held office as the 38th governor of Illinois between 1991 and 1999, disclosed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Growing up in Charleston, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Eastern Illinois University. In 2012, he launched the Edgar Fellows initiative to guide future Illinois leaders in understanding public policy and to promote respectful collaboration.
On Sunday, leaders in Illinois across the political spectrum remembered Edgar as a leader and as a public servant.
In a statement, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias shared that Edgar was a “great friend and advisor.”
Jim often highlighted the significance of the ‘Three C’s’: Civility, Compromise, and Compassion—principles that are especially pertinent today. He believed these concepts formed the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, understanding that Americans excel when they collaborate, resolve differences, show empathy to those in need, and treat one another with dignity and respect. For Jim, compromise did not imply surrender, compassion was not a sign of weakness, and civility was not mere appeasement. These tenets allow individuals to uphold their beliefs passionately without facing disrespect, dehumanization, or hostility.
As we mourn his passing, we can honor Jim by embracing the idea that, despite our differences, a kinder world is possible. In our current era of divisive politics, the necessity for a civil, collaborative, and compassionate political atmosphere is crucial. The responsibility to uphold the Three Cs begins with each of us.
Alexi Giannoulias
Governor JB Pritzker also paid tribute to Edgar as a dedicated public servant, adding that he was a committed father and husband, as well as a man characterized by honesty and integrity. In tribute to his legacy, Pritzker ordered flags throughout Illinois to be flown at half-staff.
I was fortunate to call him a friend and mentor, often drawing from his wisdom in numerous situations. His dedication to bipartisan cooperation for the betterment of Illinois unquestionably improved our state.
He will live on in the incalculable number of lives he touched and in the stronger institutions he helped build.
JB Pritzker
On the other side of the political spectrum, Darren Bailey, the Republican nominee for Illinois governor in 2022, said that while he and Governor Jim Edgar may have found themselves on opposite sides of issues, he also had “tremendous respect” for the decades of service he gave to Illinois.
From his time as Secretary of State to his two terms as Governor, Jim Edgar led with a steady hand and a deep commitment to the institutions of our state. He was a man of integrity and strong moral character who dedicated his career to public service. His contributions to Illinois will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss. We are grateful for his years of leadership and the example of service he leaves behind.
Darren Bailey
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie remembered Edgar as a man who worked to tirelessly “build bridges across party lines,” strengthen Illinois’ fiscal foundation, and put the needs of citizens above politics.
Similarly, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski said that Edgar championed civility and advocated for collaboration.
“In today’s era of division and political turmoil, his example of steady leadership and his voice of wisdom will be profoundly missed,” Budzinski said in a statement.
In May, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias dedicated a room on the first floor of the Illinois State Library in honor of Edgar. It’s now known as the Jim Edgar Reading Room.
