Jake Larson, a World War II veteran who raided Omaha Beach on D-Day, was known to his family and friends as “Papa Jake,” a good grandfather and avid storyteller.
But thanks to the extremely popular social media presence, Larson’s story and optimism were shared online with millions of fans and followers.
Larson passed away on July 17th at the age of 102, according to a social media account managed by her granddaughter Maccaela Larson.
“You know, he went to peace and cracked jokes all the way to the end,” she said in the post.
Larson’s internet fame began with the Covid-19 pandemic. Cruise boat dancer Mackeya spent much of his time with his grandfather at his home in Martinez, California, in an effort to raise his salary. According to the family, it was when she created his Tiktok account.
Jake Larson smiles at Disneyland, the name of Honorary Citizen on November 24th, 2024.
(From Mike Larson)
It became very popular. Tiktok account @StoryTimewithPapajake has accumulated over 1 million followers and over 11 million likes.
His great supporters meant that Larson’s story was shared all over the world. In addition to his extensive online follow, he recently won Emmy for an interview with CNN about his D-Day anniversary. Last July he was invited to the stage at the Zack Brown Concert at the Auckland Coliseum. In November, he visited Disneyland for the first time, where he was appointed Honorary Citizen.
On his Tiktok account, Larson often described himself as the luckyest man in the world.
The stories he told on his account ranged from fearsome to hopeful.
He said he climbed from the boat ramp that dropped him on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, and watched his fellow troops step into the land mines while trying to avoid a German machine gun fire. “I was more afraid of stepping into the mine than gunshots would come us,” he said in a 2022 post.
Another Tiktok post asks Larson for the best advice he has ever received. “Don’t give up,” he said. “Always do everything you can in life.”
Of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II, only 66,143 were still living in the country as of 2024, according to the National World War II Museum.
Members of the family described Larson as an infinitely caring and optimistic soul that can always quickly communicate that he loves you.
His grandson was keen to recall memories and anecdotes about their Papa Jake. Many commenters on Larson’s description thanked him and his family for sharing him.
“He made people feel like they’re part of his family,” Paulson said. “It’s crazy to share him…it’s crazy to be able to say he belongs to us, but I’m so proud to know that everyone wanted to be a part of his life.”
On his Tictok page, Larson often shared stories about his time in the US military, where he was a staff sergeant. However, many of his grandchildren did not hear these stories grow.
“He wasn’t comfortable talking about it,” said his grandson, Mike Larson. “To be honest, no one talked about PTSD back then… I think it helped him if he started to open up.”
Mike Larson said he believes his grandfather’s presence in Tiktok will allow other veterans to accept that they have a post-war life. He spoke at Disneyland as a man working in the Marine Corps floated around Jake and his family, preparing for a photo shoot. Mike Larson said he realized the man was serving and offered to introduce him to his grandfather.
After a heartfelt conversation, the man reached out and Larson quickly pulled him into a big embrace. Mike said he saw tears flowing down the Marines’ faces.
“People don’t recognize it. They don’t know what the guy is going through,” Mike said in tears. “That one conversation was able to save the man’s life.”
Larson’s online presence means his family can return to his posts and relive his story and warmth recorded in hundreds of videos.
Paulson said when the family returned from hospital after Larson’s death, she heard her oldest child crying on the couch. He had been re-watching the video of Larson’s Tiktok.
“I don’t think we can sum it up any other way,” Mike said. “He was the luckyest man alive.”
