Former FSU President John Thrasher Passes Away at 81

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Former Florida State University President John Thrasher passed away on May 30 at the age of 81, following a cancer diagnosis revealed in April. Thrasher was receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare when he died.

The Southern Group, which Thrasher co-founded, confirmed his passing. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared his condolences on social media, stating, “John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state. We send our condolences to Jean and the entire Thrasher family. RIP.”

Thrasher served as Florida State’s 15th president from 2014 to 2021. Current FSU President Richard McCullough praised Thrasher, saying, “John’s love for Florida State University was truly inspiring. He devoted his life to elevating FSU’s national reputation and helping the university reach new heights.”

Thrasher is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, their three children, and eight grandchildren. A private burial is planned in Orange Park, Florida, with a public celebration of life scheduled for August 19 at FSU’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

Born December 18, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina, Thrasher was raised in Jacksonville. He attended FSU as a freshman in 1961 and went on to earn a business degree in 1965 before serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where he received several awards for bravery.

Thrasher’s career included serving as general counsel for the Florida Medical Association and co-founding a governmental relations firm. He was a significant figure in Florida politics, holding roles as a school board member, state House Speaker, and senator. He was instrumental in establishing the FSU College of Medicine, the first new medical school in the U.S. in two decades at the time.

He became FSU president at 70, describing it as his “dream job.” Under his leadership, FSU launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign, raising funds for scholarships and faculty positions.