Former Governor and Secretary of State Jim Edgar's fight with cancer is over.  Edgar passed away today (Sunday) at the age of 79.  

 

State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) released the following statement on the passing of former Governor Jim Edgar:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Edgar. As one of our greatest governors, he increased adoptions of foster children by 500 percent, reformed welfare, and heightened sentences for murderers and sex offenders. I first met him when I was a young man while my mother was serving as his director of personnel at the Secretary of State’s Office. Governor Edgar is one of the people that inspired me to enter into public service. He worked tirelessly to encourage the next generation of leaders and was always available to speak with the high school students taking part in my Youth Advisory Council. I was honored to be an Edgar Fellow. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Brenda Edgar and the entire Edgar family.”

 

Today, 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.”