Jim Edgar, Two-Term Illinois Governor, Dies at 79

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Jim Edgar, the Republican governor who steered Illinois through much of the 1990s with a steadfast focus on fiscal discipline and bipartisan cooperation, died Sunday in Springfield from complications related to his pancreatic cancer treatment.

Nut Graf: Edgar’s calm leadership and meticulous budget management earned him widespread respect across party lines, leaving a legacy of balanced budgets, education reforms and government transparency at a time when Illinois faced a crippling deficit and economic uncertainty.

Fiscal Stewardship in a Time of Crisis

Edgar assumed office in January 1991 amid a $1 billion state deficit and national recession. Through a combination of budget cuts and a politically risky permanent income-tax surcharge, he restored fiscal stability without sacrificing core services. By the end of his first term, Illinois had balanced its books and resumed investments in education and healthcare.

Education and School Reforms

• Made a temporary 20 percent income-tax surcharge permanent to bolster school funding
• Overhauled Chicago Public Schools governance, granting mayoral control to address entrenched challenges
• Expanded early childhood programs and prenatal care initiatives to improve long-term student outcomes

Bipartisan Problem-Solving

Known for his “Three C’s” - civility, compromise and compassion - Edgar reached across the aisle to enact welfare-to-work programs, streamline adoption processes and tighten drunk-driving laws as Secretary of State. His collaborative style contrasted sharply with more partisan approaches, earning praise from both Democratic and Republican leaders.

Legacy and Post-Governorship

After leaving office in 1999, Edgar honored his promise to retire from electoral politics. He served as a senior fellow at the University of Illinois’ Government and Public Affairs institute, mentored future leaders through the Edgar Fellows program and remained an outspoken advocate for pragmatic, moderate governance. In February he disclosed his battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Reactions and Tributes

“Jim was a mentor and friend whose integrity and dedication made Illinois stronger,” Gov. JB Pritzker said, ordering flags at half-staff. Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton lauded his principle-driven leadership, while former aides credited him with leaving the state in far better shape than he found it.

Edgar’s passing marks the end of an era for Illinois politics-a model of measured, fiscally responsible leadership that many say is sorely missed in today’s polarized climate.