Remembering Governor Jim Edgar

Former Illinois Governor James R. “Jim” Edgar died at age 79, his family announced on Sunday, September 14th. He passed away in Springfield from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Born July 22, 1946, in Vinita, Oklahoma, and raised in Charleston, Illinois, Edgar earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Eastern Illinois University, where he served as student body president. His political career began with his 1976 election to the Illinois House of Representatives. After two legislative terms, he became Director of Legislative Affairs under Governor Jim Thompson and was later appointed Illinois Secretary of State in 1981. Voters elected him to full terms in 1982 and 1986, during which he strengthened drunk driving laws, implemented administrative license suspensions for suspected intoxication, and enacted mandatory automobile insurance requirements.

Elected the state’s 38th governor in 1990 and re-elected in 1994, Edgar confronted a significant budget deficit upon taking office. He instituted cuts, made a temporary income tax surcharge permanent to stabilize school funding, and guided the state toward financial stability. His tenure also emphasized education reform, including restructuring oversight in Chicago Public Schools and guaranteeing minimum funding levels statewide. He championed land conservation and converted former military property into protected prairie reserves, while also advocating for stronger criminal sentencing for violent offenders.

Edgar chose not to seek a third term in 1998, leaving office with high approval ratings. He continued to influence public life as a lecturer, mentor, and leader at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, while supporting future generations through programs like the Edgar Fellows initiative.

State leaders reflected on his lasting impact. State Senator Steve McClure said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Edgar. As one of our greatest governors, he increased adoptions of foster children by 500 percent, reformed welfare, and heightened sentences for murderers and sex offenders. I first met him when I was a young man while my mother was serving as his director of personnel at the Secretary of State’s Office. Governor Edgar is one of the people that inspired me to enter into public service. He worked tirelessly to encourage the next generation of leaders and was always available to speak with the high school students taking part in my Youth Advisory Council. I was honored to be an Edgar Fellow. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Brenda Edgar and the entire Edgar family.”

Governor JB Pritzker offered similar praise, saying, “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.”

Congressman Darin LaHood reflected on Edgar’s mentorship, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a shining example of public leadership exemplified by his integrity, thoughtfulness and humility. His legacy is defined by a life-long determination and commitment to better the lives of all Illinoisans. He was a mentor and model public servant to many. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Brenda, Brad, Elizabeth and the entire Edgar family during this difficult time. It was an honor to have known him and called him a friend and mentor. I was proud to be part of the 2013 Edgar Fellows Program. RIP Governor Edgar.”

On Friday, September 19, Governor Edgar will lie in-state in the Rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol Building. Visitors may sign a memorial book and pay last respects between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM.

Memorial services for Governor Edgar will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday September 20 at Central Baptist Church in Springfield. Parking can be found streetside as well as the parking garage located at the corner of Capitol and 4th Street (entering off of 4th), the INB parking lot and the parking lot located at 425 S. 4th Street (South of INB). Due to security screening bags are discouraged.