TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Florida State University President John Thrasher, who served in both chambers of the state legislature and was a prominent political figure in Florida, has died. He was 81.
Thrasher, a longtime Republican, lost his battle with cancer, a diagnosis that was announced just over a month ago by his lobbying firm, The Southern Group.
Our prayers and best wishes go out to John Thrasher today, a founding partner in this firm and one of Florida’s most storied public servants in this century. John is battling cancer and is currently at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare where he is receiving treatment. His amazing…
— The Southern Group, Florida (@SouthernGroupFL) April 22, 2025
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Thrasher rejoined the firm after retiring from the presidency of FSU, where he served from 2014–2021.
Thrasher, an FSU alumnus, said when he announced his retirement from the university that he was proud of everything that administrators, faculty, staff and students had accomplished
“These past six years have been the most energizing and rewarding of my professional life,” he said. “Knowing what my Florida State degrees have done for me, I have long believed in the transformative power of higher education. So, it has been an honor and a privilege for Jean and me to contribute to this institution that has changed so many lives.”
Thrasher also posed a heartfelt message to “the FSU Family,” recounting his long history with the university and career.
Thrasher’s passing was announced to the Florida Senate by his family on Friday.
The Senate was just notified by the Thrasher family that our beloved friend and former colleague, Senator John Thrasher, has gone home to be with the Lord. Our prayers are with Jean and the entire family. 🙏https://t.co/MQ0rVehOee pic.twitter.com/CYcCgTeBjE
— Florida Senate (@FLSenate) May 30, 2025
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted condolences on X, noting that Thrasher was also a decorated combat veteran who “lived a remarkable life.”
Casey and I are sad to learn that John Thrasher has passed away.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 30, 2025
John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University.
John…
Thrasher served in the House from 1992 to 2000, including two years as Speaker of the House. He was chair of the Senate Rules Committee and chaired former Gov. Rick Scott’s reelection campaign.
Thrasher earned his bachelor’s degree in business from FSU in 1965.
According to a bio on the FSU website, after graduation, Thrasher joined the U.S. Army, where he received the Army Commendation Medal in Germany and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged as a captain in 1970, Thrasher returned to FSU, earning his law degree with honors in 1972.
