The world has lost a true giant of adventure.<\/p>\n
Jim Whittaker<\/span><\/span> \u2014 the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest<\/span><\/span> \u2014 has died at 97, passing peacefully at home in Port Townsend<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n Born in Seattle<\/span><\/span>, he began climbing young and made history in 1963, helping spark America\u2019s love for mountaineering. Despite fame, he remained humble and grounded.<\/p>\n Beyond Everest, he helped grow REI<\/span><\/span> and dedicated his life to protecting nature and bringing people together through adventure.<\/p>\n One of his proudest moments came in 1981, leading disabled climbers up Mount Rainier<\/span><\/span> \u2014 proving the greatest summits are the ones that change us.<\/p>\n He is survived by his family and remembered not just for climbing mountains, but for lifting people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The world has lost a true giant of adventure. Jim Whittaker \u2014 the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest \u2014 has died at 97, passing peacefully at home in Port Townsend. Born in Seattle, he began climbing young and made history in 1963, helping spark America\u2019s love for mountaineering. Despite fame, he…<\/p>\n