WA mountaineer Jim Whittaker to be celebrated with Seattle event

Big Jim will have a big send-off.

The Mountaineers are hosting a celebration of life for Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, on June 14 at their headquarters in Magnuson Park.

The Seattle-born-and-raised climber died April 7 in Port Townsend at the age of 97. His death marked the passing of a giant in the mountaineering world, most memorable for his 1963 Everest ascent. His long career in the high peaks also included the first successful U.S. expedition to K2, the world's second-tallest peak, and he set a record as leader of the largest successful Everest expedition in 1990.

Whittaker, the first full-time employee at REI and later its CEO, was a larger-than-life figure in Washington's outdoors community. In an invitation published by The Mountaineers, the Seattle-based outing club where Whittaker learned to climb, the Whittaker family invites the public to share stories and honor his legacy.

Jim's legacy as an adventurer, leader, environmental advocate, and champion for peace reached far beyond the mountains," the invitation reads. "Those who knew him remember his kindness, warmth, humor, strength, generosity, and deep love for people and wild places.

RSVPs are requested by June 7. Once the venue reaches capacity, the event will be broadcast via livestream here.

Jim Whittaker celebration of life

2-5 p.m. June 14; The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle; RSVP requested: bit.ly/WhittakerRSVP; livestream: bit.ly/Whittakerlivestream; for more info: bit.ly/MountaineersWhittaker

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