SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar, a Charleston native whose blend of candor and fiscal discipline defined his two terms as the state's chief executive, died on Sunday. He was 79.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Jim Edgar passed away this morning in Springfield from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer,” Edgar's family said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for the love, support and kindness so many have shown to Jim and our family over these last several months.”

Edgar announced his cancer diagnosis in February. In an interview with Lee Enterprises at the time, he said that he planned to “take every month or year that I can get” and “hopefully be able to enjoy life, too.”

Going agains

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