Jim Edgar, arguably one of the most popular state leaders in Illinois history, died Sunday at 79.  Edgar was raised in Charleston, IL.  He guided Illinois through much of the 1990s with a focus on fiscal matters to prepare the state for the 21st century.  The two-term Republican governor had been suffering from pancreatic cancer diagnosed in January.  He died at a Springfield hospital.

“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,” family members said in a statement. “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 — who was born in the small town of Vinita, Oklahoma, but raised in Charleston, Illinois — provided stable governance through his reserved tone.

After leaving office in 1999, Edgar kept his word that his formal political career was over. He became a senior fellow at the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs and declined efforts by fellow Republicans to be drafted as the state party chairman, make another run for governor and, twice, to run for U.S. Senate.

Edgar remained a political elder statesman and was called on for counsel by leaders in both parties.  Over the last 10 plus years, the GOP Edgar once headed drifted considerably farther to the right as Illinois Republicans embraced Donald Trump. 

While many Republicans nationally had expected Edgar to make a U.S. Senate bid, he expressed concerns about the affordability of raising his family in Washington, D.C. He also was clearly more interested in serving in the executive branch rather than the legislative branch.

94.1 WGFA