SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KFVS) - Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar died on Sunday. He was 79 years old.

Edgar was elected as Illinois’ 38th Governor in 1990. He served two terms as governor of Illinois from 1991 until 1999.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a statement after learning of Edgar’s death, “I was lucky enough to consider him a friend and mentor and have found myself drawing from his words of wisdom on countless occasions. His commitment to reaching across the aisle in service of the people of Illinois undeniably made our state better.”

Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn also issued a statement, saying, “Gov. Jim Edgar was a good and decent man who cared deeply about the people of Illinois."

Edgar is survived by a wife, Brenda, two children, and five grandchildren.

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