Jake Larson, a World War II veteran and popular social media personality known as “Papa Jake,” passed away on July 17, 2023, at the age of 102. His granddaughter, McKaela Larson, announced his death via social media, sharing that he “went peacefully” and maintained his sense of humor until the end.
As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” Larson found a new life as a centenarian on TikTok, where he attracted over 1 million followers under the handle @storytimewithpapajake. He captivated audiences with stories from his remarkable life and military service, effectively bridging the gap between history and modern social media.
Remembering a Hero’s Journey
In June 2024, Larson was featured in an interview with Christiane Amanpour for CNN, conducted in Normandy, France, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Sitting in a wheelchair near the shoreline, he poignantly recounted his experiences during the invasion, stating, “I got off the landing craft and had water right up to my chin. We were all kids.”
Larson enlisted in the National Guard at just 15 years old, lying about his age to serve his country. He reflected on his role in the war with humility, saying, “I don’t think I was a hero. I was just like anybody else. We were all in this together.” He emphasized his commitment to honoring the memories of his fallen comrades, noting that every soldier was prepared to give their life to combat tyranny in Europe.
“Every one of us was prepared to give our life to kick Hitler’s ass out of Europe… And we did.”
Larson’s legacy was recently highlighted when Amanpour won an Emmy Award for her interview with him. He expressed his joy in a video message, exclaiming, “It’s phenomenal. And here I am, little country boy that joins the infantry at 15 years old and I come here now, 102, going on 103 and I’m winning something like this? There is a God.” His Emmy is proudly displayed in the living room of his son, Karlan Larson, who stated it would be passed down to future generations.
A Life Well-Lived
“My dad had an epic, epic life,” Karlan Larson remarked in an interview with CNN. He described his father’s joy at sharing the Emmy honor with Amanpour, indicating how much the recognition meant to both of them.
Jake Larson’s journey from a young soldier in World War II to a beloved TikTok figure serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the importance of storytelling in connecting generations. His contributions to both history and contemporary culture will be remembered by many.
