Jim Whittaker(1929-2026)

On March 20th of 1965, Bobby Kennedy became the first human to stand atop a lonely peak in the Canadian Yukon that had just been named to honor his assassinated brother, JFK. His climbing guide was Jim Whittaker, a mountain icon who at 28 had become the first American to summit Mt. Everest. From that solemn trek, Jim-the shy outdoorsman and eventual CEO of REI-and RFK ignited a friendship over their shared love of wilderness. In the following years their lives would intertwine, both men having a profound effect on the other. But their shared path would end with an assassin's bullet. In June of 1968, Jim would look on as Bobby was taken off life support. 50 years later, Jim's son Bobby Whittaker- a legend of the grunge scene- decides that he and his brother Leif must ascend the mountain. Leif, the experienced alpinist, will guide Bobby, as they test their relationship on dangerous ground. When they are joined by RFK's son Christopher Kennedy their trio is complete. Mt. Kennedy's long shadow has loomed in all of their lives for decades. Now, half a century after their fathers' climb, three sons will forge their own paths and find a vantage point above the shadows.

Play trailer2:16

Return to Mount Kennedy (2019)

Jim Whittaker was born on 10 February 1929 in Seattle, Washington, USA. He was married to Diane Roberts and Blanche Patterson. He died on 7 April 2026 in Port Townsend, Washington, USA.

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Photos1

Known for

Reel Rock Film Tour

8.6

TV Series

Self

ABC's Wide World of Sports

7.7

TV Series

Self - Mountain Climber

Three Flags Over Everest

Self

1991

Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey

7.6

Self

2017

Credits

IMDbPro

Self

Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey
7.6
- Self
- 2017
High and Hallowed: Everest 1963
6.2
- Self - Climber
- 2013
Reel Rock Film Tour
8.6
TV Series
- Self
- 2013
Three Flags Over Everest
- Self
- 1991
This Proud Land
TV Mini Series
- Self
- 1966
ABC's Wide World of Sports
7.7
TV Series
- Self - Mountain Climber
- 1965
To Tell the Truth
7.7
TV Series
- Self - Contestant (as James Whittaker)
- 1963

Archive Footage

Return to Mount Kennedy
6.9
- Self (archive footage)
- 2019

Videos1

Trailer 2:16

Official Trailer

Personal details

Alternative name
- James Whittaker
Born
- February 10, 1929
- Seattle, Washington, USA
Died
- April 7, 2026
- Port Townsend, Washington, USA(undisclosed)
Spouses
Relatives
- Lou Whittaker(Sibling)

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Trivia
Has always been afraid of heights.

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Jim Whittaker(1929-2026)

Photos1

Known for

Credits

Self

Archive Footage

Videos1

Personal details

Did you know

Contribute to this page

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