Jake Larson, a decorated World War II veteran known as “Papa Jake,” captivated millions with his stories on TikTok, and his passing at 102 has stirred tributes across the country. His granddaughter announced his death on July 17, writing, “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.”
Larson, born in 1922 in Owatonna, Minnesota, grew up on a humble farm during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the National Guard at 15, lying about his age, and was sent overseas after Pearl Harbor. As operations sergeant, he helped assemble planning books for Operation Overlord and survived the harrowing storming of Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He later fought in the Battle of the Bulge before returning home to raise a family with his wife, Lola.
In 2020, his granddaughter launched “storytimewithpapajake,” where he recounted memories of D‑Day, camaraderie, and sacrifice. His autobiography, The Luckiest Man in the World, further spread his message. “We are the lucky ones,” he told The Associated Press at Omaha Beach’s cemetery. “They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.”
