Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar has died at the age of 79.

Edgar, who served two terms as Illinois’ governor in the 1990s, had announced that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

Governor J.B. Prizker said, "MK and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a model public servant, a devoted father and husband, and an honest and honorable man."

Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton took to social media saying, "Former Governor Jim Edgar was a man of principle and a passionately dedicated civil servant. He saw past political divides and emphasized the importance of unity in leadership by making a point to always extend his hand across the aisle."

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a statement:

"Jim Edgar wa

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