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Jake Larson World War II veteran and TikTok star dies at 102

Jake Larson, known as Papa Jake, died on July 17 at the age of 102, his family announced.

July 19, 2025 at 10:57 PM

Jake Larson, World War II veteran turned TikTok star, dead at 102

Jake Larson, the World War II veteran and social media personality known as Papa Jake, has passed away.

Jake Larson World War II veteran and TikTok star dies at 102

Jake Larson, a World War II veteran and TikTok star called Papa Jake, died on July 17 at the age of 102. His granddaughter McKaela announced his passing on social media, sharing that he died peacefully while still making jokes. Larson, who gained fame on TikTok as @storytimewithpapajake, had over a million followers by sharing stories about his life and service during the war. He famously spoke of his experiences during D-Day, recalling his enlistment at just 15 years old. Recently, he celebrated an Emmy win with journalist Christiane Amanpour, who interviewed him in Normandy.

Key Takeaways

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Jake Larson passed away at 102, leaving behind a legacy as a war hero and social media star.

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Known as Papa Jake, he gained over a million followers on TikTok.

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Larson's TikTok featured stories from his life and experiences during World War II.

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He vividly recalled D-Day and the sacrifices made by his generation.

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Jake recently celebrated an Emmy win with journalist Christiane Amanpour.

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His family plans to keep his Emmy award in the family as a cherished memory.

"Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young."

McKaela Larson shared the news of her grandfather's death on social media.

"I don’t think I was a hero. I was just like anybody else."

Larson modestly responded about his war experiences during an interview.

"We were all kids."

Reflecting on his youth during the D-Day invasion, Larson emphasized the shared experience of soldiers.

"There is a God."

Larson expressed his surprise and joy about winning an Emmy at 102 years old.

Jake Larson represented a bridge between history and modern culture, captivating a new generation on social media. His vibrant personality and unique perspective on significant historical events created a compelling narrative that resonated widely. As society looks to honor the stories of our elders, Larson's legacy serves as a reminder of the invaluable lessons from past generations and the importance of sharing these stories.