Jim Edgar | |
|---|---|
 Edgar in 2013 | |
| 38th Governor of Illinois | |
| In office January 14, 1991 – January 11, 1999 | |
| Lieutenant | Bob Kustra |
| Preceded by | James R. Thompson |
| Succeeded by | George Ryan |
| 35th Illinois Secretary of State | |
| In office January 12, 1981 – January 14, 1991 | |
| Governor | James R. Thompson |
| Preceded by | Alan J. Dixon |
| Succeeded by | George Ryan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Robert Edgar July 22, 1946 Vinita, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | September 14, 2025 (aged 79) Springfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Brenda Smith |
| Alma mater | Wabash College Eastern Illinois University |
| Profession | Politician |
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. 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. He died from problems caused by the disease on September 14, 2025 at a hospital in Springfield, Illinois at the age of 79.
