Peoria Standard

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar died Sunday at age 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Edgar served as the state’s governor from 1991 to 1999, following previous roles as Secretary of State and state legislator.

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.”

Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain reflected on his experiences with Edgar: “I first met Governor Edgar as a college student at the University of Illinois, where he would frequently appear as a special guest to deliver lectures on political leadership and the challenges facing state government.

“Years later, I was honored to be a part of his incredible Edgar Fellows Program in the class of 2014. I was serving as a Peoria Alderman at the time, and received inspiration to pursue further public service in the Illinois General Assembly.

“Governor Edgar helped launch my campaign for State Representative in 2015, and he has been a source of great wisdom and advice ever since.

“We need more leaders like Jim Edgar in our world. He never stopped working for the great people of Illinois. His legacy of leadership carries on through the countless lives he inspired to serve with integrity and cooperation.”

Spain was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 73rd House District in 2017 after David R. Leitch retired (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2872).

A biography titled The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent described Edgar as “the right governor at the right time.” Authors Robert P. Howard, Taylor Pensoneau, and Peggy Boyer Long noted that while his style was considered less flashy than some predecessors or successors’, he remained popular throughout both terms—winning all but one county in his re-election bid in 1994.

In February this year, Edgar publicly announced his cancer diagnosis: “Brenda and I remain hopeful, and we are grateful for the kindness of so many who have offered their prayers and support,” he said at that time. “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 education funding—including early childhood programs—and implementing property tax caps. He signed legislation creating charter schools statewide in 1996; established KidCare health insurance for low-income children; oversaw formation of the Department of Human Services; invested in pre-natal care; and signed into law measures such as the Sex Offender Registration Act.

Edgar left office having balanced Illinois’ budget—a $1 billion deficit turned into a $1 billion surplus according to Howard et al.: “Edgar faced a $1 billion debt on his first day as governor,” they wrote. “On his last day, he left a $1 billion cash balance for his successor.”

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

Born in Oklahoma before moving to east-central Illinois during childhood, Edgar graduated from Eastern Illinois University where he met wife Brenda. After an initial unsuccessful election bid, he later served two terms in the General Assembly before joining Governor Jim Thompson’s staff. When Alan Dixon became U.S. Senator in 1980, Thompson appointed Edgar Secretary of State—a role which saw him champion road safety laws including mandatory auto insurance requirements.

Thompson commented: “Throughout his public career...his actions and his work have been in the best tradition of public service.”

After leaving office in 1999, Edgar continued mentoring young leaders through regular speaking engagements for legislative interns—and by founding The Edgar Fellows program at University of Illinois which aims to foster bipartisan cooperation among future public servants.

Several current legislators recalled their own connections with him through this program:

“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...brought together by one very special person: Governor Jim Edgar,” Spain said during a floor speech earlier this year.

Current fellows Rep. Jason R. Bunting remembered meeting him as a child visiting Springfield with family; Rep. Nicole La Ha spoke about carrying forward values learned through participation; Rep. David Friess highlighted how being an alumnus shaped priorities around good governance; Rep Dennis Tipsword shared memories about personal encouragement received from Edgar during legislative debates.

Tributes since Sunday have emphasized themes such as decency—compassion—and efforts toward making positive changes statewide.

Jim Edgar is survived by wife Brenda—children Brad—and Elizabeth.