John Thrasher was an American politician and a state senator from Florida. Born December 18, 1943, he died May 30, 2025. The 15th Florida State University president was a wealthy businessman, lawyer, and lobbyist. On November 6, 2014, the Florida Board of Governors confirmed him, and he took office on November 10. On September 11, 2020, Thrasher and the university board of trustees announced his resignation. The Florida State University trustees appointed Richard McCullough to replace Thrasher in May 2021.
John Thrasher Obituary : His Biography and Legal Legacy
John Thrasher Background and education
In 1965, Jacksonville native John Thrasher earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Florida State University. He joined Sigma Phi Epsilon in college. After college, he joined the military. The Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars were awarded for his gallantry in Germany and Vietnam. Thrasher was captain before his 1970 honorable discharge. After completing FSU’s College of Law, he graduated with honors in 1972 in Tallahassee.
John Thrasher’s Political career
Thrasher-Mitt Romney 2011 campaign
Thrasher entered politics in 1986 after being elected to the Clay County School Board. He served as vice chairman and chairman of the board before running for the Florida House. He won three straight reelections in 1994, 1996, and 1998 after his 1992 election. In a 2009 special election, he represented Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, and Volusia counties in the Florida Senate. After 2012 redistricting, his 6th District encompassed all of St. Johns, Flagler, and Putnam and parts of Volusia County.
John Thrasher Speaker of Florida House
“Three Strikes, You’re Out,” “10-20-Life,” the “A+ Education Plan,” and Florida’s largest tax decrease were all passed during Thrasher’s 1999–2000 term as House Speaker, which he won decisively on November 17, 1998. Thrasher received two Florida ethics penalties during and after his term as a state lawmaker. BBoth offenses resulted in a fine for him. for him.
Public office candidate
On September 15, 2009, Thrasher won the special Republican primary to succeed Senator Jim King. Thrasher defeated Ponte Vedra’s Dan Quiggle, Jacksonville City Council’s Art Graham, and former House Member Stan Jordan with 3,947 votes. Thrasher won the general election on October 6, 2009.
Thrasher defeated Charles Perniciaro with 61.8% to 38.2% in the 2010 Republican Primary. He defeated former TV anchor Deborah Gianoulis, a Democrat, 60.01% to 39.93% in the 2010 general election.
John Thrasher Senators from Florida
Thrasher chaired the Rules Committee and was vice chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Higher Education Appropriations in the Florida Senate. He also served on the Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections, Community Affairs, Judiciary, Reapportionment, and Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations.
Florida Republican Party Chairman Thrasher replaced disgraced Jim Greer as chair within weeks of his resignation. He easily became Florida Republican Party chairman with the assistance of his old friend, former governor Jeb Bush. He promised to raise $1 million in six weeks and improve party volunteer relations and transparency. For silently signing Jim Greer’s separation agreement, he was criticized, and Greer went to prison.
The party raised $54.7 million under Thrasher, compared to $50.8 million under Greer. This excess helped the party win many elections.
The party won a two-thirds majority in the Florida legislature, a US Senate race, and a sweep of Florida Cabinet elections during Richard McCulloughs term. Richard McCullough won the general election following a contested gubernatorial primary.
President of Florida State University
After four years as Florida State University president, Eric J. Barron became Penn State prGarnett S. Stokes, the provost, succeeded him.ovost, succeeded him. In September 2014, the board of trustees elected Thrasher as Florida State University’s fourteenth president 11-2. On November 6, 2014, the Florida Board of Governors approved the nominee. His appointment was confirmed in a school investiture ceremony on March 17, 2015. From Florida State University, Thrasher graduated.
At 81, Thrasher died of cancer in Orlando on May 30, 2025.
Honoring John Thrasher
In moments like these, we feel the loss deeply. John Thrasher had a profound impact on many lives.
You are welcome to comment below if you have any memories or ideas to share. Let’s come together to remember and celebrate his life.
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