He was a D-Day veteran who served with the Allied forces in the historic 1944 invasion of Nazi-occupied France, which played a critical role in bringing World War II to an end. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was stationed in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, before the invasion.
From Battlefield to TikTok Fame
In his later years, Larson became a viral sensation on TikTok through his account Storytime with Papa Jake, where he shared moving stories about World War II and honoured his fellow soldiers. With over 1.2 million followers, he used the platform to educate younger generations about the war, bringing history to life through personal memories and reflections.
Just three weeks ago, Larson shared an Emmy Award win with journalist Christiane Amanpour for a special interview marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Despite his age, he remained cheerful and humorous, with his granddaughter noting he was "cracking jokes 'til the very end."
Legacy of a Hero Remembered
Jake Larson's granddaughter shared the news of his passing in a heartfelt TikTok post, thanking fans for their support and love. "I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all. You meant the world to him," she said. Quoting his famous sign-off, she added, "As Papa would say, love you all the mostest."
She requested privacy for the family but promised to continue sharing his stories to honour his legacy. In recent years, Larson returned to Normandy several times to attend D-Day commemorations, staying connected to the history he helped shape.
His life touched millions, bridging generations with tales of courage, humour, and unwavering patriotism.
