Illinois gathered on Saturday to honor its 38th governor, Jim Edgar, during a memorial service that celebrated his significant contributions, wisdom, and the civility he exemplified throughout his life. Edgar passed away last weekend at the age of 79 due to pancreatic cancer. His tenure as governor spanned from 1991 to 1999, following a role as Secretary of State.
The service took place at Central Baptist Church in Springfield, drawing family members and political figures from both the Republican and Democratic parties who came together to pay their respects. Among those delivering eulogies was Ray LaHood, a former congressman and U.S. Transportation Secretary during the Obama Administration. LaHood praised Edgar as “the gold standard for public service, for honesty, and for integrity,” and suggested that Edgar might stand as Illinois’ best governor, particularly among Republican leaders.
In LaHood’s speech, he highlighted Edgar’s legacy, particularly his establishment of the Fellows program, which has mentored numerous young leaders annually at the University of Illinois. Current Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat who has expressed interest in a presidential run in 2028, reflected on Edgar’s influence on his own career, stating that Edgar’s values and judgment have served as a guiding model.
Pritzker described Edgar as “exemplary in so many ways,” recalling how the former governor served on his transition team in 2018 following Pritzker’s victory over the previous Republican governor, Bruce Rauner. The current governor noted that Edgar had emphasized the importance of balancing the state budget, praised Pritzker for achieving that milestone, and reminded him that it would be an ongoing responsibility.
The heartfelt tributes evoked a shared appreciation for Edgar’s role in shaping Illinois’ political landscape, uniting attendees in both remembrance and reflection on the standards of public service he upheld throughout his life.
