First American to Summit Everest Jim Whittaker Passed Away 
In April 2026, James Warren Whittaker, also known as Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, passed away at the age of 97 in Port Townsend, Washington, the United States of America (USA). He was born on 10 February 1929 in Seattle, Washington, USA.
About Jim Whittaker:
Career: He was the first full-time employee and later Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) (1971–1979), expanding it into a major outdoor retail cooperative.
Everest: He became the first American to summit Mount Everest on 1 May 1963 with Nawang Gombu under extreme conditions, becoming the 10th climber ever to reach the summit.
Expeditions: He led and participated in major climbs, including the successful American ascent of K2 in 1978, the 1965 Mount Kennedy expedition with Robert F. Kennedy, and the 1990 Everest International Peace Climb promoting international cooperation.
Honors: He received the Hubbard Medal (the National Geographic Society’s top honour) from former USA President John F. Kennedy and was further recognized with landmarks named after him, including Big Jim Mountain and the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trail.
Memoir: He authored his memoir, A Life on the Edge, published in 1999.