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Jim Whittaker, First American on Everest, Dies at 97

4/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, died at age 97 in Port Townsend, Washington.
He reached the Everest summit on May 1, 1963, alongside Sherpa Nawang Gombu.
Whittaker served as a leader at Recreational Equipment Co-op (REI), helping the brand grow into a billion-dollar company.
His 1990 Everest peace climb underscored a legacy of courage and optimism.

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Story summary

Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, died at age 97 in Port Townsend, Washington.
He reached the Everest summit on May 1, 1963, alongside Sherpa Nawang Gombu.
Whittaker served as a leader at Recreational Equipment Co-op (REI), helping the brand grow into a billion-dollar company.
His 1990 Everest peace climb underscored a legacy of courage and optimism.