Introduction to John Thrasher’s Life and Career
TALLAHASSEE — Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced.
Thrasher, 81, served in the House and the Senate before being tapped in 2014 as president of FSU, where he had earned his bachelor’s and law degrees.
Early Life and Education
During his tenure in the Legislature, Thrasher, a Republican, was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush and helped carry out Bush’s overhaul of the state’s education system that included a controversial school-grading system and rigorous testing of student performance.
“I am heartbroken. John was one of my best friends in life. I loved the guy. I am praying hard for the wonderful Jean and his children and grandchildren,” Bush said in an email Friday morning to The News Service of Florida, referring to Thrasher’s wife of 60 years, Jean.
Career Highlights
Thrasher, with Bush’s backing, was elected to lead the Republican Party of Florida in 2010 after its former chairman, Jim Greer, was forced out amid a probe into the party’s finances. Thrasher became speaker in 1998, the same year Bush was first elected — and as Republicans cemented what remains a dominance of state government.
Thrasher died Friday morning in Orlando surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom.
“The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health and Cornerstone Hospice,” the statement said.
Personal Life and Legacy
In addition to his wife, Thrasher is survived by daughter Jennifer Jordan and her husband, Don; son Jon Thrasher and his wife Millie; and daughter Julie Weinberg and her husband Mark. He also was a “proud and devoted grandfather” to eight grandchildren, Bascom said in an email.
Accolades for Thrasher, who represented parts of Northeast Florida in the Legislature and was fiercely devoted to FSU, poured in after the announcement of his death.
Thrasher’s bid to become FSU president initially drew some opposition, in part, because of his lack of an academic background. But Thrasher, who as a lawmaker took numerous steps to support the university, such as helping start its medical school, became a widely respected president.
Tributes and Memories
Thrasher’s presidency, which lasted until 2021, “marked a period of historic momentum for the university,” according to FSU President Richard McCullough.
“As an alumnus, legislator, trustee and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU’s national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence and research,” McCullough said in a statement. “Jai (McCullough’s wife) and I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have known him and will always cherish the time we spent together at university events, out on the golf course or sharing a meal. John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor and unmistakable charm.”
Thrasher was “one of the greatest men I’ve ever known,” Gus Corbella, a lobbyist who served as director of the House Majority Office during Thrasher’s two-year term as speaker, told the News Service in a text.
Florida State University President John Thrasher congratulates faculty, staff and students on FSU’s rise to No. 18 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of national public universities
