Illinois Gov. Pritzker orders flags lowered to honor former Gov. Jim Edgar

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday announced that flags across the state will be flown at half-staff to honor former Gov. Jim Edgar, who has died.

Pritzker said he and his wife, MK, were “deeply saddened” by Edgar’s passing, describing him as “a model public servant, a devoted father and husband, and an honest and honorable man.”

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

Edgar, a Republican who served as Illinois’ 38th governor from 1991 to 1999, was widely respected for his bipartisan approach to government.

Pritzker said Edgar’s legacy will endure in the institutions he strengthened and in the lives he touched. “Now more than ever, we should channel that spirit and resolve to live as Governor Edgar did: with honesty, integrity, and an enduring respect for all,” he said.

Pritzker extended condolences to Edgar’s wife, Brenda, and their children, Brad and Elizabeth.