Talahassee – Former Florida State University president and House Speaker John Thrasher passed away Friday after his struggle with cancer, his career in politics and public services has expanded over 30 years, his family announced.
The 81-year-old Thrasher served in the House and Senate before being tapped as FSU president in 2014.
During his tenure in Congress, Republican Thrasher was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush, who helped to carry out a bush overhaul of the state’s education system, including a controversial school grading system and rigorous testing of student performance.
“I’m heartbroken. John was one of my best friends in life. I loved the guy. I prayed hard for great jeans and his children and grandchildren,” Bush said in an email to the Florida news service on Friday morning.
Bush-backed Thrasher was elected to lead the Republican Party in Florida in 2010 after former chairman Jim Greer was kicked out during a party’s finances investigation. Thrasher became a speaker in 1998. Bush was first elected that same year. Republicans solidified what remains in state control.
Thrasher passed away Friday morning in Orlando, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom.
“The family would like to thank the hopes, visits and prayers last month and express their deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Orlando Health and Cornerstone Hospice’s Moffitt Cancer Center and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital,” the statement said.
In addition to his wife, Thrasher was survived by his daughter Jennifer Jordan and husband Don. son John Thrasher and his wife, Millie; daughter, Julie Weinberg, and husband Mark; He was also a “prideful and dedicated grandfather” to his eight grandchildren, Bascom said in an email.
Thrasher, who represented parts of northeastern Florida in Congress and had been so devoted to FSU, was poured in after the announcement of his death.
Thrasher’s bid to become FSU’s president first sparked opposition. However, as a lawmaker, Thrasher took many steps to support the university, including helping to launch medical schools, became a widely respected president.
According to FSU President Richard McCullough, Thrasher’s presidency, which continued into 2021, “hears a historic era of momentum for the university.”
“As alumni, legislator, councillor and president, he has dedicated his life to enhancing FSU’s national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, excellence and research,” McCullough said in a statement. “Jai (McCullough’s wife) and I am incredibly fortunate and blessed to know him and always cherishing his time at university events, spending time together on golf courses and sharing food.
Thrasher was “one of the best men I’ve ever known.” Gus Corbera, a lobbyist who served as the House Majority Director during his two-year term as Thrasher speaker, told News Service via text.
“He was a mentor to me not only as a public service but also as a brilliant example of what a man of integrity, courage and belief can do in this often challenging world. He was a top-class gentleman worthy of all the respect he was given to him.”
Kathy Mears, who has won a series of high-level staff positions in Congress and state government and served as Thrasher’s Director of Government Relations at FSU, has given him similar praise.
“We can’t fully capture the honor Florida owes John Thrasher,” Mears said. “He was a gentleman’s warrior. He led with quiet strength and solid determination. He did very good for many, as a lawmaker, as a leader, as a leader, but more than anything as a friend.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also sought in Vietnam and praised Thrasher, who was elected to the State Capitol from Clay County in 1992. After serving as chairman, Thrasher graduated from Congress, he joined the Senate in 2009 by winning a special election to take over the late Jim King, R-Jacksonville.
“John was an decorated combat veteran, serving the state as the chairman of the family and Florida Senator, and exerted great leadership as president of his alma mater, Florida State University. John had a remarkable life.
“From working in public office and willing to step in and chair the party during difficult times, Thrasher said it had “a huge impact” on the state’s GOP.
“Florida is excellent at his service,” Power adds, calling Thrasher “legend.”
Senate Speaker Ben Albritton also praised Thrasher for helping to find Southern Group, one of the capital’s most influential lobbying companies.
“Integrity, perseverance and strength encouraged John to succeed at all levels of public service and private industry. His life was rooted in his commitment to public service, patriotism, love for law, and passion for education. Unquestionable judgment, the principles of timeless honor, and a fair leader that gentlemen can pass through all the time,” Albritton said.
The family will hold a private burial for Thrasher in Orange Park. A celebration of life is scheduled for August 19th at Florida State University’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee.
By Dara Cam, Florida news service
