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ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar died on Sunday at the age of 79.
Edgar, a Republican who served as the 38th governor of Illinois from 1991 to 1999, announced earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
He grew up in Charleston and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s in history. In 2012, he developed the Edgar Fellows initiative, meant to help future Illinois leaders learn more about public policy, while also encouraging 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 spoke frequently about the importance of the ‘Three C’s’: Civility, Compromise and Compassion – words that resonate more than ever today. Together, he believed they served as the foundation of a healthy democracy, knowing that as Americans, we work best when we collaborate and work out our differences, show compassion toward those who need help, and treat one another with respect and dignity. For Jim, compromise was not surrender; compassion was not weakness; and civility was not placation. Together, these principles give us the space to stand firm in our beliefs and to speak passionately without being disrespected, dehumanized or attacked.
As we mourn his death, we can honor Jim by choosing to believe that – regardless of our differences – a better world is possible through kindness. While the need for a civil, a collaborative and a compassionate political climate is more important than ever with today’s polarizing politics – the duty and responsibility of restoring the Three Cs begins with each one of us.Alexi Giannoulias
Governor JB Pritzker also remembered Edgar as a public servant. And, he added that Edgar was a devoted father and husband, as well as an honest and honorable man. In honor of his memory, Pritzker directed flags across Illinois to fly at half-staff.
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.
He will live on in the incalculable number of lives he touched and in the stronger institutions he helped build.
JB Pritzker
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.
