Beloved WWII Veteran and TikTok Sensation ‘Papa Jake’ Larson Dies at 102

Jake Larson, the beloved World War II veteran and social media sensation known affectionately as ‘Papa Jake,’ passed away peacefully on July 17th at the age of 102. His granddaughter confirmed his death on his popular social media accounts, noting that he was “cracking jokes til the very end.”

A distinguished member of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ Larson garnered a massive following on TikTok, where his @storytimewithpapajake account amassed over a million followers. He captivated audiences with heartfelt stories of his life and military service, becoming a beacon of wisdom and humor.

Just last year, Larson was interviewed by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour in Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, recounting his vivid memories of the invasion. He famously stated he joined the National Guard at just 15, lying about his age to serve his country. Larson believed he was not a hero, but simply a part of a collective effort to defeat Hitler.

His legacy was recently highlighted when Amanpour shared her Emmy Award with him, an honor he received with immense joy, expressing his disbelief and gratitude for the recognition. His son, Karlan Larson, confirmed that the Emmy is now a cherished family heirloom.

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