Jim Whittaker

American mountaineer

James W. Whittaker (born February 10, 1929), also known as Jim Whittaker, is an American mountaineer, autobiographer and mountain guide.[1][2]

James Whittaker
Whittaker speaking at the Computer
History Museum
in 2005
BornFebruary 10, 1929 (1929-02-10) (age 95)
EducationSeattle University
West Seattle High School
OccupationMountaineer
RelativesLou Whittaker (twin brother)

On May 1, 1963 he became the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest as a member of the American Mount Everest Expedition led by Norman Dyhrenfurth. They ran out of oxygen but managed to reach the summit. Once there, Whittaker planted a U.S. flag at the top.[3]

References change

  1. EverestHistory.com: Jim Whittaker
  2. "Brothers synonymous with mountain climbing in Northwest". Reading Eagle. (Pennsylvania). Associated Press. March 13, 1983. p. 43.
  3. Shnayerson, Michael (May 2003). "Jim Whittaker, Back on Earth". National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Retrieved 2007-05-07.