Civility, compromise, compassion
It is appropriate that former Gov. Jim Edgar lived his final years in Springfield, a place he called home. Jim and Brenda had made lifelong friendships and raised their children, Brad and Elizabeth, here. They chose to return after spending several years near Champaign while Jim served as a distinguished fellow at the University of Illinois.
This remembrance could list Jim Edgar’s many accomplishments, but as we mourn his loss it is more important to highlight his character and how he lived his life. He was a public figure who valued privacy. He preferred reading a book that satisfied his intellectual curiosity to the hobnobbing many politicians relish. He was quiet but loved John Philip Sousa marches on July 4.
Jim Edgar was determined to succeed professionally, but family mattered. His staff understood not to schedule Sunday evening events; it was family night reserved for pizza, popcorn and movies.
When Brad played high school football, Friday nights were reserved so Jim could attend games. When Elizabeth played tennis, her matches were added to his schedule. He was devoted to Brenda, valued her advice and strove to protect family time.
Jim Edgar’s early years were not easy. His family was not wealthy. He was 7 when his father died. His mother found work to feed, clothe and house three young sons. Jim never forgot his mother’s sacrifices. He learned the thin margin between poverty and success.
Jim attended Eastern Illinois University, excelled academically and was elected student body president. In 1968, he was selected to be a legislative intern. That opportunity led to the governorship 23 years later. Jim flourished in the legislative arena and quickly rose to become chief of staff for the Illinois House Speaker.
Then he experienced a humbling setback that would shape the rest of his life. He ran for the legislature and lost in the Republican primary. Edgar was 27 years old with two children; he had campaign debt, no job and an uncertain future. His prospects eventually improved but for the rest of his life, he explained the loss taught him valuable lessons, most importantly that he never wanted to lose again – and he never did.
Mike Lawrence, a reporter for more than two decades and Edgar’s press secretary for 10 years, reflected on Edgar’s service:
“Those aspiring to public service could not have a better role model than Governor Edgar, a good and decent human being – and a truly outstanding chief executive. His commitment and ability to make a positive difference, his candor, his straightforward style of leadership, his civility, his no-nonsense approach to fashioning a responsible, responsive and balanced state budget – helped him earn the trust of Illinoisans.”
Jim Edgar was not a spellbinding orator, but he communicated effectively. He exuded sincerity. His words were wise and thoughtful. He appealed for civility, compromise and compassion – an important message in an age of uncivil conduct, no compromise and little compassion.
He was not flashy and believed flamboyance belonged on stage, not in government. He respected opponents and avoided personal attacks. He remained calm and soft-spoken amid a howling world. His approach suited and served him well. He chose to retire from elective politics at age 52 – reflecting his belief that elective office is not a permanent job. When he retired, Edgar’s job approval was near 70 percent.
Jim Edgar was never without a book. His memory was encyclopedic. He remembered 5-year-old budget numbers and centuries-old historical facts. At major horse races, Jim could tell you every horse’s lineage.
Edgar was very intelligent but not arrogant. He hired smart people, welcomed disagreements and was a good listener. The more Edgar’s staff argued with him the more he respected them. Some officials discourage criticism and punish staff who disagree with the boss. Edgar’s openness to criticism was key to his success.
In or out of the political arena, Jim Edgar lived by one rule – always tell the truth. Running for governor in 1990, Edgar risked his career by supporting the state’s income tax surcharge. After his Democratic opponent said the state didn’t need it, Edgar refused to back down because he believed schools needed the money. Voters did not like Edgar’s position, but they believed him and rewarded his candor on election day.
Candor guided Governor Edgar in dealing with years of difficult budgets caused by a recession and government overspending. He cut budgets, found efficiencies and eventually rebuilt the state’s finances; his fiscal management provides a roadmap for future Illinois governors.
Edgar’s record is impressive, but his most enduring legacy may be the 500 Edgar Fellows who have participated in a leadership program he started in 2012. It engages up-and-coming leaders in both political parties and teaches civility, compromise and compassion.
Jim Edgar was a serious man but had a great wit. In recent years, Edgar lunched often with former staff. The luncheons were filled with old stories, laughter and discussions about history, politics, travel and family. And no lunch ever ended without Jim Edgar asking, “What have you been reading?”
Al Grosboll was hired by Jim Edgar 52 years ago. He served as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to Gov. Edgar and as deputy secretary of state and chief of staff in the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
This article appears in January 1-7, 2026.
