Tributes Flow for 'Papa' Jake Larson, WW2 Veteran and TikTok Sensation Who Died at 102

A beloved social media personality and World War II veteran, Jake 'Papa' Larson has passed away at 102 years old, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

American World War II veteran and TikTok icon, Jake Larson, affectionately known as 'Papa Jake', has died at the age of 102, sending shockwaves through both the veteran community and his online following. Born before the Great Depression and having fought on the front lines during D-Day in 1944, Larson played a key role in the downfall of Nazi Germany.

In his later years, Larson embraced the digital age and cultivated a substantial following of 1.2 million fans on TikTok. On this platform, he regaled audiences with poignant tales of his experiences during war and honored the memories of his fallen comrades. Most recently, he achieved noteworthy recognition alongside British-Iranian journalist Christiane Amanpour, winning an Emmy Award for their collaborative interview commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

His granddaughter, McKaela Larson, announced his passing via TikTok, saying he passed away peacefully on July 17 and was still sharing laughter until his final moments. "Thank you all for welcoming my Papa Jake into your hearts," she expressed to followers of his account Storytime with Papa Jake. "As he would say, love you all the mostest."

Though she requested privacy for her family during this difficult time, she promised to continue sharing her grandfather's remarkable tales to keep his spirit alive. Larson, who also fought in the Battle of the Bulge, revealed his initial unfamiliarity with TikTok before his granddaughter introduced him to the social media platform. He regularly participated in commemorative events at Normandy to honor D-Day's significance.