by Mike Matzinger
Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, has passed away at 97.
His journey began as a Scout in Washington’s Olympic Mountains, where he developed a lifelong connection to risk, resilience, and exploration. Over the years, he climbed Everest, K2, and Mount Rainier more than 100 times, while mentoring others and pushing the limits of what was possible.
Today, Jim might be know more for the company he created, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI).