SR0431 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0431 LRB104 15490 ECR 28652 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois Governor James R. "Jim" Edgar, who passed away on September 14, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar was born in Vinita, Oklahoma on July 22, 1946; he was raised in Charleston, Illinois; he graduated from Charleston High School and Eastern Illinois University, where he served as student body president; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar began his career in public service as a legislative intern in the Illinois Senate; he was then elected to the Illinois House of Representatives before serving as Illinois Secretary of State for ten years; he was elected Governor of Illinois in 1990, and he was reelected for a second term four years later, where he carried 101 of Illinois' 102 counties in a historic landslide victory; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar, as the State's 38th governor, prioritized fiscal responsibility, educational access, child welfare reform, and environmental conservation; he restored the State's financial stability during a national recession, championed increased funding for underserved school districts, and helped make higher education more affordable; alongside his wife, Brenda, he led efforts to modernize the State's adoption system and support families; he was noted for his honesty and thoughtful leadership and for bringing people together across political lines, leading to his administration being one of the most diverse in Illinois history; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar, after leaving office in 1998, founded the Edgar Fellows Program at the University of Illinois to mentor the next generation of public leaders, instilling in participants his belief that respectful dialogue and shared purpose can transcend political divides and build a better future; his program has had more than 500 Fellows in the program since its inception, and it remains one of his most meaningful accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar was a devoted father and a loving grandfather; he was also a man of many interests, an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and an owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses; he loved his dogs, collected art and history, enjoyed traveling, and treasured friendships that spanned decades; and

WHEREAS, Gov. Edgar was known as a leader who cared not only about results but also about people; he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, bipartisanship, and public service, serving as an example of how to lead, to listen to all sides, and to care for others with grace and courage; and

WHEREAS, Governor Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Betty Edgar, and his brothers, Tom and Fred; and

WHEREAS, Governor Edgar is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda; his children, Brad (Stacey) and Elizabeth; five grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; and his friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former Illinois Governor James R. "Jim" Edgar and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gov. Edgar as an expression of our deepest sympathy.