JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – I had the privilege of knowing John Thrasher through my work as a political reporter. We first met in 2010, shortly after I began working at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville. From the outset, Sen. Thrasher was generous with his time and always accessible when our station needed a comment or perspective. He was a statesman in the truest sense - steadfast, thoughtful, and willing to engage, even when the topics were tough or the timing inconvenient.
One moment that stands out vividly in my memory was in 2014, on the campus of Florida State University. I was there with him shortly after a shooting at Strozier Library. The tragedy stunned the university and community. John Thrasher, then president of FSU, met the moment with calm strength. I watched as he comforted students, fielded questions with compassion, and worked alongside law enforcement and university leadership to reassure and steady a shaken campus. His resolve was deeply human and unmistakably sincere.
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RIP | Legendary Florida political leader, former FSU President John Thrasher dies at 81
On an even more personal note, one of my children switched gears at the last minute. Our oldest son, Jonathan, was committed to an expensive, private university on the west coast, then realized the financial impact of leaving college with lots of debt can make. “Is it too late to say ‘yes’ to Florida State?” I said, let’s find out and call the president’s office. President Thrasher said ‘Noles Nation would love to find a spot for out incoming freshman, even if there wasn’t campus housing available anymore. We were only a few weeks out from the start of fall semester that year. Jonathan says it was one of the best decisions he’s made.
In 2019, we were honored to join President Thrasher and his wife Jean for a football game. Do I remember what happened on the gridiron? Not really. But I remember the hospitality and fun and how John and Jean Thrasher spent time just visiting with the Justice family when they were surrounded by hundreds of people who wanted some of the same attention from the hosts.
John Thrasher’s career - as a soldier, lawmaker, and university president - was marked by service. But beyond titles and milestones, it was the way he carried himself in moments of crisis and routine alike that revealed his true character. He was a leader who listened. He was accessible not just to reporters like me, but to students, constituents, and colleagues who needed to be heard.
His passing is a loss for Florida and for everyone who was touched by his leadership. I’m grateful to have known him—not just as a public figure, but as a person who gave generously of himself for the good of others.
