Bay Area WWII veteran and TikTok star 'Papa Jake' celebrates 102nd birthday
CONCORD, Calif. - A beloved Bay Area World War II veteran who has captivated hearts on social media and around the world turned 102 on Friday.
Jake Larson, known globally as "Papa Jake," celebrated his birthday with family and friends at Fuddruckers in Concord.
The war hero shows no signs of slowing down. His life experiences could fill the pages of a history book, and he continues to add new chapters.
"Papa has been very busy," his son Kurt Larson told KTVU on Monday.
In June, the veteran took an emotional trip to Normandy, France, to mark D-Day.
More recently, he went on a whirlwind trip to Disneyland, his first visit to the "Magic Kingdom."
He went on rides, met Mickey Mouse, and was honored by the amusement park.
"In Walt’s apartment above the Fire Station the President of Disney gave him a proclamation making him an honorary citizen of Disneyland and a lifetime free pass," his son said.
On his TikTok, Papa Jake shared about the adventure, saying, "WOW. My first trip to Disneyland had me feeling like a kid again."
The trip also included a stop to watch an Anaheim Ducks hockey game, where the team held a special ceremony for him.
"Papa really had the time of his life!" Kurt Larson shared.
Papa Jake said he's been energized by the support and love from his hundreds of thousands of fans, some of whom send him letters, which he often shares on TikTok.
"I enjoy reading your letters," Larson said, adding, "I really enjoy seeing the amount of you who follow me. My god, I'm near a million there! It’s crazy. It’s plain crazy!"
On social media, Papa Jake has shared stories from his past, offering snapshots of history through his harrowing experiences as a 21-year-old soldier on Omaha Beach on D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in military history.
He shared his outlook on life, one of appreciation, as he calls himself "the luckiest man alive."
For his birthday, his family called on the public to celebrate this life and their request was answered.
The Larsons said Papa Jake received birthday cards from fans around the globe, along with some notable ones too, including fellow centenarian-- former President Jimmy Carter, who turned 100 in October.
Back in September, Larson sat down with KTVU, and when asked what his secret to longevity was, his was a simple and straightforward response: "My secret is just stay alive, I guess. Don't die!"
Papa Jake also shared that he feels that he’s been richly blessed and that at his age he doesn't feel any aches or pain in his body.
The 102-year-old extended his appreciation to all those who have written to him, listened to his stories and expressed their love and support.
"Thanks to you," he said, "I have never felt so good."