Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar Dies at 79 from Pancreatic Cancer

Jim Edgar, former two-term Republican governor of Illinois, passed away at age 79 due to complications from pancreatic cancer, which he publicly disclosed earlier this year. Edgar was credited with stabilizing Illinois' finances in the 1990s by pushing budget cuts and making a temporary income tax surcharge permanent, ensuring steady funding for public schools. He was known as a moderate who worked across party lines and remained active as a statesman and adviser, though he distanced himself from the Republican Party's rightward shift, notably endorsing Kamala Harris in 2020. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Edgar's honor, and tributes from politicians across party lines highlighted Edgar's integrity, bipartisanship, and commitment to public service. Edgar also contributed to leadership development through programs like the Edgar Fellows and served in various roles after leaving office, including president emeritus of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. His family expressed gratitude for public support, and Edgar's legacy is remembered for strengthening Illinois' institutions and inspiring future leaders.