Jim Edgar

Jim Edgar
Edgar in 2013
38th Governor of Illinois
In office
January 14, 1991 – January 11, 1999
LieutenantBob Kustra
Preceded byJames R. Thompson
Succeeded byGeorge Ryan
35th Illinois Secretary of State
In office
January 12, 1981 – January 14, 1991
GovernorJames R. Thompson
Preceded byAlan J. Dixon
Succeeded byGeorge Ryan
Personal details
Born
James Robert Edgar

(1946-07-22)July 22, 1946
Vinita, Oklahoma, U.S.
DiedSeptember 14, 2025(2025-09-14) (aged 79)
Springfield, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Brenda Smith
Alma materWabash College
Eastern Illinois University
ProfessionPolitician

James Robert "Jim" Edgar (July 22, 1946 – September 14, 2025) was an American Republican politician. He was Governor of Illinois from January 1991 through January 1999. He was the Illinois Secretary of State from January 1981 through January 1991.

Edgar was a very popular governor. Even though Illinois is a Democratic state, he won in landslides as a Republican. He retired with high approval ratings.

Edgar was born on July 22, 1946 in Vinita, Oklahoma.[1] He was raised in Charleston, Illinois. Edgar studied at Wabash College and at Eastern Illinois University. He is married to Brenda Smith.

In February 2025, Edgar was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.[2] He died from problems caused by the disease on September 14, 2025 at a hospital in Springfield, Illinois at the age of 79.[3]

References

  1. "Illinois Governor Jim Edgar". Governor's Information. National Governors Association. Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2007-07-26.
  2. "Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar diagnosed with pancreatic cancer". ABC Chicago. February 24, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  3. Ahern, Mary Ann (September 14, 2025). "Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar dies at age 79". WMAQ-TV. Retrieved September 14, 2025.

Other websites