Jim Edgar’s Passing A Gentle Statesman Leaves a Lasting Legacy 

James Robert “Jim” Edgar, the respected Republican who served as Illinois’s 38th governor from 1991 to 1999, has died at the age of 79, his family announced. He passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois, due to complications arising from cancer treatment.  

Early Life and Rise in Public Service Born on July 22, 1946, in Vinita, Oklahoma, Edgar was raised in Charleston, Illinois, after his father’s untimely death. He was brought up by a single mother and developed an early interest in public service. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he met his future wife Brenda. After college, he entered politics as an intern in the state legislature, steadily climbing the ranks. His first electoral success came with election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1976, where he served two terms.   Ten Years as Secretary of State In 1981, Governor Jim Thompson appointed Edgar as Illinois Secretary of State. Edgar was then elected to full terms in 1982 and 1986. As Secretary of State, he became known for strong measures on drunk driving enforcement and instituting mandatory auto liability insurance.   

Governor of Illinois: Facing Financial Crisis 

In 1990, Edgar won the governorship, taking office on January 14, 1991. He inherited a nearly $1 billion deficit, with Illinois months behind on paying its bills. Early in his term, amid recession, Edgar led a budget crisis showdown. He succeeded in cutting hundreds of millions in spending and permanently made a temporary 20% income tax surcharge permanent to fund schools and stabilize state finances. He pledged cooperation with legislators from both parties, famously saying in 1991, “I seek cooperation, not confrontation with the legislature.”   Re-election and Governing with Bipartisanship In 1994, Edgar won re-election in a landslide, carrying 101 of Illinois’s 102 counties, including heavily Democratic Cook County—an unmatched plurality for any incumbent governor in state history. His second term was marked by a focus on school reform, public safety, and expanding recreational and conservation lands, earning him the nickname the “conservation governor.”   Stepping Down at His Peak In 1997, Edgar shocked the political world by announcing he would not seek a third term, despite strong approval ratings. Calls came for him to run for U.S. Senate and other offices, but he declined every time. His decision paved the way for George Ryan to succeed him—but Ryan, along with his successor Rod Blagojevich, would later face corruption charges, highlighting how Edgar’s integrity set him apart.   Post-Governorship: Teaching, Mentorship, and Republican Statesmanship After leaving office in 1999, Edgar became active in civic life. He served as president emeritus of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, taught at universities, and launched the Edgar Fellows Program via the University of Illinois to foster bipartisan leadership among emerging state officials and staff. In the 2020s, as the Republican Party shifted to the right, Edgar emerged as one of the leading moderate voices in the state. He did not support Donald Trump and joined a group called “Republicans for Harris”, endorsing Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race.   Health Battle with Pancreatic Cancer In February 2025, Edgar publicly disclosed a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Despite chemotherapy and hospitalization, he remained engaged in public life. A tribute in May saw the naming of the Jim Edgar Reading Room at the Illinois State Library, recognizing his lifelong commitment to literacy and civic engagement—perhaps one of his final appearances.   Passing and Public Response Edgar died in Springfield from complications related to cancer treatment, the family said in a statement: > “With heavy hearts we share the news that … Jim Edgar passed away … from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer. We are deeply grateful for the love, support and kindness so many have shown….”  Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff. He described Edgar as a model public servant, mentor, and friend, urging Illinoisans to emulate his integrity and commitment. Former Democratic Governor Pat Quinn praised Edgar as “a good and decent man who cared deeply about the people of Illinois.” Other leading voices—including former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, and current Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias—echoed messages of respect, noting Edgar’s leadership based on civility, compromise, and compassion.  

 Legacy at a Glance Legacy Area

Key Contributions Fiscal Leadership Resolved a state budget crisis; made temporary income tax surcharge permanent

Bipartisan Governance Cooperated across the aisle; won widespread support beyond his party

Integrity and Public Trust Stepped back at his peak; untainted record compared to successors

Civic Engagement & Mentorship Founded Edgar Fellows, taught, led public library foundation

Moderate Republican Voice Opposed Trump, endorsed bipartisan cooperation, led Republicans for Harris   A Governor Defined by Quiet Strength Jim Edgar’s political style was markedly different from his flashy predecessor, Governor James R. Thompson. Edgar was reserved, thoughtful, and principled—prioritizing results and good governance over ideology or attention. He often reflected on the harder aspects of his reforms, noting in a 1998 interview: > “It wasn’t always pretty how it was done, but we got a lot done.… We went after some pretty tough issues. We didn’t get them all, but we got most of them.”   

Personal Life and Family Edgar married Brenda in college at Eastern Illinois University. They had two children—a son and a daughter—and were grandparents as well. For Edgar, civic dedication extended beyond politics; he loved books, horses, and the idea of building institutions that served future generations. Even while undergoing treatment, he spoke about his hopes to watch his horses improve and spend time with family.   The End of an Era Former Governor Jim Edgar’s death marks the passing of a distinct style of politics: one centered on integrity, practical problem-solving, and mutual respect across partisan lines. In turbulent times, many Illinois leaders and citizens have noted how his example is a reminder of what good government can look like—disciplined, principled, and humane. His leadership helped Illinois through one of its most perilous fiscal periods. His restraint not to cling to power prevented the kind of scandals later seen in state government. And his post-political work helped cultivate a generation of leaders who believe governance can still be about service, not spectacle. As flags fly at half-staff, Illinois honors a governor whose steady hand helped steady a troubled ship—and whose legacy lives on in civic institutions, public service programs, and the many people who say: “He was a good, good public servant.” He is survived by his wife Brenda, their two children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.