Jake Larson, WWII Veteran and TikTok’s Beloved 'Papa Jake,' Dies at 102

Описание: Jake Larson, a World War II veteran who amassed more than 1.2 million followers on TikTok, has died at the age of 102, his granddaughter announced on social media.
Known affectionately online as "Papa Jake," Larson helped plan the D-Day invasion and stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. He became an unlikely social media star when his granddaughter started a TikTok account for him, which was followed by his autobiography.
D-Day veteran "Papa Jake" Larson, who survived German gunfire on Normandy's bluffs in 1944 and then garnered 1.2 million followers on TikTok late in life by sharing stories to commemorate World War II and his fallen comrades, has died at 102.
An animated speaker who charmed strangers young and old with his quick smile and generous hugs, the self-described country boy from Minnesota was ''cracking jokes til the end,'' his granddaughter wrote in announcing his death.
Jake Larson, the World War II veteran and social media star known as “Papa Jake,” has died, his granddaughter posted on his social media accounts Saturday. He was 102.
“Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young. Please know, he went peacefully and was even cracking jokes til the very end,” granddaughter McKaela Larson said in the posts.
A member of the nation’s “Greatest Generation,” Larson gained a loyal following on social media as a centenarian, posting as @storytimewithpapajake on TikTok, where he racked up more than 1 million followers with his stories about his life and military service.
Tributes to him quickly filled his “Story Time with Papa Jake” TikTok account from across the United States, where he had been living in Lafayette, California. Towns around Normandy, still grateful to Allied forces who helped defeat the occupying Nazis in World War II, paid him homage too.
“Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young,” granddaughter McKaela Larson posted on his social media accounts. “He went peacefully.”
A D-Day veteran who became a social media star in his later years has died at the age of 102.
"Papa Jake" Larson survived German gunfire in the June 1944 landings and then garnered 1.2million followers sharing stories on TikTok to commemorate Second World War and his fallen comrades.
Sharing the news of his death on the platform that found his legions of new fans, 'Story time with Papa Jake', his granddaughter McKaela Larson said he "went peacefully and was even cracking jokes 'til the very end".
Jake Larson, a World War II veteran who gained internet fame as TikTok’s charming “Papa Jake,” has passed away at the age of 102, his granddaughter announced. Known for his warm personality and heartfelt videos, Larson captured the hearts of millions by sharing stories from his wartime experiences and his zest for life, bridging generations through social media.
Larson’s rise to TikTok stardom late in life highlighted the power of connection and storytelling, inspiring countless followers around the world. His family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, celebrating his remarkable life as a veteran, grandfather, and online sensation who brought joy and perspective to millions.

SOURCE:-
https://news.sky.com/story/d-day-vete...

https://apnews.com/article/papa-jake-...

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/19/us...