New York: James Carter Cathcart, a veteran voice actor known for bringing several iconic Pokémon characters to life, has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with throat cancer. He passed away on Tuesday in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, according to a report by TMZ.
Cathcart, whose career spanned more than four decades, was best known for voicing Meowth, Team Rocket’s James, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak in the English-language version of the long-running Pokémon anime series. His contributions, beginning with the show’s U.S. debut in the late 1990s, became a defining part of the franchise’s global success.
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A Voice That Defined Pokémon for a Generation
Known professionally also as Jimmy Zoppi, Cathcart began voicing characters in Pokémon from its first season and continued until 2023, completing his final roles in Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys. Over a span of more than 700 episodes and 15 films, his dynamic vocal range helped shape the emotional tone and humor of the franchise.
Fans around the world remember him as the comedic voice of Meowth, the flamboyant Team Rocket co-conspirator James, and the wise mentor figure Professor Oak. His work in Pokémon: The First Movie (1998) remains especially memorable for viewers who grew up with the series.
Contributions Beyond Pokémon
Cathcart’s work extended beyond Pokémon. He voiced characters such as Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game. He also voiced Weevil Underwood in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters and lent his voice to One Piece, Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, and other popular anime titles.
Earlier in his career, he voiced commercial ads for major brands including Kit Kat and Coors Light. Cathcart was also a musician, serving as the lead vocalist in bands such as The Laughing Dogs, who released albums under Columbia Records in the late 1970s.
Cancer Diagnosis and Retirement
Cathcart was diagnosed with throat cancer in early 2023. The diagnosis prompted his retirement from voice acting. Despite multiple rounds of chemotherapy, his condition reportedly worsened in recent months, leading to hospice care.
Following his death, fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder, known for voicing Nurse Joy and Wobbuffet, shared a tribute on social media, calling him “one of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls.”
“James Carter Cathcart, you were one of a kind… Master of the pen, piano and microphone. Friend to many. Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts,” she wrote.
Fans and Industry Pay Tribute
Tributes poured in from across the anime and voice acting communities. Fans mourned the loss of yet another member of the original Pokémon cast, following the earlier death of Rachael Lillis, who voiced Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff. Lillis passed away in May 2024 after a battle with breast cancer.
“The Pokémon family grows smaller once more,” one fan commented online. “RIP James. Your voice made our childhood magical.”
Cathcart is survived by his wife and family. No public information on his net worth or funeral arrangements has been released.
