Known to millions as “Papa Jake,” D-Day veteran Jake Larson, whose candid storytelling and infectious humor transformed him into a social media sensation late in life, has died at age 102. His granddaughter, McKaela Larson, shared news of his peaceful passing on social media, noting he remained “cracking jokes til the very end.” Tributes poured in from across the U.S. and Normandy, France, where Larson had returned frequently to honor fallen comrades.
Born in Minnesota in 1922, Larson joined the National Guard at just 15 by falsifying his age. Two years later, he found himself dodging German artillery on Omaha Beach during the 1944 Normandy invasion—a harrowing experience he would recount decades later with vivid clarity. Though he seldom spoke about the war in his earlier years, Larson began sharing memories in his 90s through TikTok, amassing over 2.6 million followers. His blend of wartime recollections, reflections on loss, and lighthearted wisdom resonated globally, earning features in major media outlets.
Three weeks before his death, Larson secured an unexpected accolade: an Emmy Award for his interview with veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour, commemorating D-Day’s 80th anniversary. The segment, which aired on CNN, highlighted his urgent calls for peace. “I saw what war does,” he told The Associated Press in 2023. “Leaders need to sit down and figure out how to stop this madness.”
Larson’s digital presence, characterized by his motto “love you all the mostest,” bridged generations. Followers praised his ability to humanize history while advocating for unity. “The world lost a true hero,” wrote one user in a tribute video reposted over 40,000 times. Communities in Normandy, where Larson had forged lasting connections, lowered flags in his honor, recalling his dedication to keeping soldiers’ memories alive through annual ceremonies.
Despite his global reach, Larson often deflected praise, calling himself “the luckiest man in the world.” His granddaughter emphasized this humility in her farewell message, stating, “He never expected the love you all gave him, but it meant everything.” As tributes continue, Larson’s legacy endures as a testament to resilience, intergenerational dialogue, and the enduring power of peace advocacy. His final social media post—a video joking about living to 200—remains pinned atop his profile, a fitting farewell from a man who turned history into hope.
