CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar has died at the age of 79, his family announced Sunday. He served as 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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His family released a statement Sunday, 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.”

Edgar was sworn in as Illinois’ 38th Governor in January of 1991 in what would be the first of two terms. He is remembered as a man of principle and conviction, someone who sought to work with 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 thought and believed firmly was in the best interest of the state, always reached across the aisle, always was willing to face the consequences of what happened,” Mack said.

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

Edgar’s political career began in 1974 when he was elected to the Illinois House. He served two terms before Governor Jim Thompson tapped Edgar to be his legislative liaison.

In 1981, Thompson appointed Edgar as Secretary of State to fill a vacancy. Edgar would get reelected twice. He led a crackdown on drunk driving, and in 1990 instituted 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.

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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.”

This is a breaking news report. Check back for updates.