D-Day veteran, TikTok star ‘Papa Jake’ Larson dies at 102
Remembered for his convivial personality and prolific stories about his service during World War II, which brought him fame on TikTok, Lafayette resident “Papa Jake” Larson died at the age of 102 on Thursday.
“Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away,” his granddaughter McKaela Larson posted on his social media accounts. “I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all. You meant the world to him.”
Born on Dec. 20, 1922, Larson came of age just weeks after Imperial Japan attacked the U.S. Naval base of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Larson joined the military and served in the Western Theater of Europe during World War II, eventually storming the beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day, the largest naval, air and land operation in history at the time.
Larson’s service earned him a Bronze Star and a French Legion of Honour award, medals that he wore on the crown of a gray bowler hat which was ubiquitous in his TikTok videos.
Many towns around Normandy, which continue to be grateful for the sacrifice of Allied forces to defeat the Nazis in occupied France during World War II, also mourned the loss of the D-Day veteran online, according to the Associated Press.
Larson eventually moved to Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette, California, where he started posting TikTok videos – as part of what he called “story time” – about his fight against the fascist forces of Europe during World War II. His stories about evading German gunfire amassed Larson more than 1.2 million followers who admired his bravery during the war, his unwavering kindness, and his easy smile.
In February, Larson walked his granddaughter down the aisle for her wedding. He wore his signature bowler throughout the ceremony.
“When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake’s stories and keep his memory alive,” McKaela Larson wrote. “As Papa would say love you all the mostest.”