Background
Edgar, Jim was born on July 22, 1946 in Vinita, Oklahoma, United States.
Edgar, Jim was born on July 22, 1946 in Vinita, Oklahoma, United States.
Bachelor of Science, Eastern Illinois University, 1968. Postgraduate, University Illinois, 1969—1970. Postgraduate, Sangamon State University, 1974.
Legislation intern president pro tem, Illinois Senate, 1968;
key assistant to speaker house, Illinois House of Representatives, 1972-1973;
aide to president, Illinois Senate, 1974;
to House minority leader, Illinois Senate, 1976;
member, Illinois House of Representatives, 1977-1979;
director legislation affairs, Illinois Governor, 1979-1980;
secretary state, State of Illinois, 1981-1991;
governor, State of Illinois, since 1991. Co-lead governor National Governor's Association Transportation Committee, 1995-1996. Chair Education communications of States, 1993-1994.
Chair National Governor's Association Committee on Economics Development and Commerce, 1992-1993. President Council State Govts., 1992-1993. Chair Governor'sEthanol Coalition, 1992-1993.
Chair National Governor's Association Committee on Economics Development and Technology Innovation, 1991-1992.
Precinct committeeman, treasurer Coles County Republican Committee, 1974. Director state service National Conference State Legislatures, 1975, 76. Member campaign committee Illinois House of Representatives.
President National Association Secretaries of State, 1988. Executive committee Council State Governments, 1988, vice president executive committee, 1991, president, 1992-1993. Board directors National Commission Against Drunk Driving, 1989.
Chairman Illinois Literacy Council, 1989. Chairman Education Commission of the States, 1993-1994. Chairman Governor's Ethanol Coalition, 1992-1993.
President Board Council State Governments. Member National Governors Association (chairman economic development and commerce committee 1992-1993, strategic planning review task force since 1991, past chairman task force on education, member education goals panel, chair committee economic development and technological innovation 1991-1992, education commission of states 1993-1994, co-lead governor transportation committee 1995-1996), Coles County History Society (president 1976-1979).
Son of Cecil E. & Elizabeth O. (Moore) E. Married Brenda M. Smith, 1967. Children: Brad, Elizabeth.