ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar has died at the age of 79. Edgar served as governor of Illinois from 1991 to 1999...Before that he was Illinois Secretary of State.
One of Edgar's last public appearances was in May when the reading room at the state public library was named for him.
Edgar, a Republican, was always popular on both sides of the political aisle.
Governor J.B. 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.”
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a statement:
Jim Edgar was an amazing man and an incredible public servant. More importantly, he was a great friend and advisor to me. His leadership will be missed, his friendship even more so. My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family.
Jim spoke frequently about the importance of the ‘Three C’s’: Civility, Compromise and Compassion – words that resonate more than ever today. Together, he believed they served as the foundation of a healthy democracy, knowing that as Americans, we work best when we collaborate and work out our differences, show compassion toward those who need help, and treat one another with respect and dignity. For Jim, compromise was not surrender; compassion was not weakness; and civility was not placation. Together, these principles give us the space to stand firm in our beliefs and to speak passionately without being disrespected, dehumanized or attacked. As we mourn his death, we can honor Jim by choosing to believe that - regardless of our differences - a better world is possible through kindness. While the need for a civil, a collaborative and a compassionate political climate is more important than ever with today’s polarizing politics – the duty and responsibility of restoring the Three Cs begins with each one of us.
Former Illinois Governor Pat Quin released a statement:
Governor Jim Edgar was a good and decent man who cared deeply about the people of Illinois. He believed in property tax reform and a quality education for everyone.
"May God rest his immortal soul."