Former House Speaker and FSU President John Thrasher dies at 81
FSU President John Thrasher and his wife, Jean Thrasher. (Photo courtesy of the Thrasher family)
Former House Speaker and Florida State University President John Thrasher died Friday, a month after announcing a cancer diagnosis.
Thrasher was president of FSU from 2014 through 2021, the culmination of a lengthy legislative career that began with him lobbying for the Florida Medical Association and eventually led him to serve in both chambers of the Florida Legislature.
He served in the Florida Senate, starting in 2009 and leaving in 2014, and in the Florida House for eight years, starting in 1992 and terming out in 2000. Thrasher was speaker of the chamber for his last two years.
On Aug. 19, FSU's campus will host Thrasher's celebration of life in the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. The family plans a private burial in Orange Park for Thrasher.
'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' Gov. Ron DeSantis posted to X.
Thrasher was an alumnus of the school he led, earning his bachelor's and law degrees from FSU. In between the two degrees, he served in the U.S. Army and received two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam and the Army Commendation Medal in Germany.
Florida Board of Governors Vice Chair Alan Levine, who served on the board during Thrasher's presidency, spoke to Thrasher's legacy in a text message to the Phoenix.
'Florida lost a giant, today. From his leadership and support of his beloved FSU to every issue important to Florida, John led with integrity,' Levine wrote. 'My prayers are with my friends in Tallahassee and with those who've known John, because this one hurts, and a lot of good people are in pain today. Rest Peacefully, John. Your work here may be done, but your legacy will never be forgotten.'
The Southern Group, the lobbying firm Thrasher co-founded, announced on April 22 that the former president was receiving treatment for cancer at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
After retiring as FSU president, Thrasher returned to The Southern Group in 2021 and served on the faculty of the FSU College of Law.
Thrasher was chair of the Republican Party of Florida for a year in 2010 and 2011.
'John Thrasher was a mentor, a patriot, and a man of integrity. His faith never wavered, his principles never faltered, and his love for this state was unmatched,' RPOF Chairman Evan Power said in a news release, adding that Thrasher 'unified and stabilized' the party during his stint as chairman.
Thrasher also served on the Clay County School Board and as the first chair of the FSU Board of Trustees.
'From the battlefields of Vietnam where he returned as a highly decorated officer, to years of honorable service as Speaker of the House, Rules Chair of the Senate, and President of Florida State University, John was regarded by all as a strong, fair leader with unquestionable judgment, timeless principles of honor, and a gentleman all the way through,' Senate President Ben Albritton wrote in a letter Friday to sitting senators, announcing Thrasher's death.
FSU credits Thrasher for 'substantial investments in student success initiatives,' increased graduate enrollment, and milestones in faculty hiring and research funding.
Thrasher's successor at FSU, President Richard McCullough, said he and his wife will 'always remember the kindness' Thrasher and his wife, Jean, extended when he became president. 'They made it their mission to help us feel at home in Tallahassee,' McCullough wrote in a statement posted to social media.
'John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor, and unmistakable charm,' McCullough wrote.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried joined the outpouring of condolences on social media.
'While we cheered for different teams, politically and collegially, he never let that impact our friendship. He was a great leader, true public servant and a terrific human being. RIP,' Fried posted to X.
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones called Thrasher 'a good one' and 'a true statesman, and a good man.'
FSU football alum and Florida Sen. Corey Simon said he is 'deeply saddened,' also calling Thrasher 'a true statesman.'
'John was a champion for FSU and served Florida and his country with honor. His legacy of service and commitment to education will live on for generations,' U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis posted to X.
'The Lion of the Senate has passed. John Thrasher was a great mentor and friend. He fought the good fight. His legacy will continue on for generations,' Thrasher's former Senate colleague, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, posted to X.
Phoenix Senior Reporter Christine Sexton contributed to this story.
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