James Carter Cathcart, one of the most recognizable voices in anime history and a pillar of the Pokémon franchise, has died at the age of 71. The legendary voice actor passed away on July 9, 2025, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx after a courageous battle with throat cancer.
Cathcart’s wife, Martha Jacobi, confirmed the news on social media. His ex-wife, Jeanne Gari, shared that the cause was throat cancer. His passing marks the end of an era for millions of fans who grew up hearing his unforgettable voice work.
🧠 A Voice That Defined a Generation
Joining the Pokémon cast in 1998, just as the franchise was taking over the world, Cathcart lent his voice to several of its most memorable characters:
Professor Oak – the warm and wise Pokémon expert who guides trainers on their journey
Gary Oak – Oak’s cocky grandson and Ash’s rival
James – one half of the iconic Team Rocket duo
Meowth – the wisecracking, talking Pokémon known for his sarcastic humor and emotional depth
While many characters came and went, Cathcart’s performances remained a consistent thread across the sprawling Pokémon universe, anchoring the show for over two decades.
🌍 Beyond Pokémon: A Prolific Career
Cathcart’s influence extended well beyond Pokémon. He also voiced characters in beloved anime and games like:
Yu-Gi-Oh!
One Piece
Shadow the Hedgehog
Various other animated shows and video games
According to IMDb, Cathcart had over 100 credited roles, but it was his time in the Pokémon universe that cemented his legacy with fans around the world.
🎙 Farewell from the Voice Acting Community
Tributes poured in from fellow voice actors. Erica Schroeder, known for voicing Nurse Joy and Wobbuffet, wrote:
“The community will miss you. The world will miss you.”
Fans across the globe also expressed their grief and gratitude for a voice that became a part of their childhood and still resonates with new generations.
🧬 A Legacy That Evolves
In a 2017 interview, Cathcart expressed amazement at Pokémon’s enduring popularity:
“Who could imagine 20 years ago that we would still be doing the show and it would be doing so well, but there’s a new generation of kids that loves Pokémon?”
Even after his retirement in 2023 due to illness, Cathcart’s influence continued through reruns, video games, and movies. His voice became timeless—forever linked with characters that transcend age and borders.
🕊 Survived By Those He Loved
James Carter Cathcart is survived by his wife Martha Jacobi, his daughters Nicole Zoppi (41) and Mackenzie (30), and his son Carter (31).
He may be gone, but for fans of anime, gaming, and pop culture, his voice will echo forever in the words:
“Team Rocket’s blasting off again!”
