James Carter Cathcart, a veteran voice actor cherished for his iconic roles in the Pokémon franchise, passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71. Known to millions as the voices behind Team Rocket’s James, Meowth, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak, Cathcart’s career spanned music, anime, video games, and advertising. His death marks a tremendous loss for the voice acting community and generations of Pokémon fans.
The Beloved Voice Behind Pokémon’s Most Iconic Characters
Few voice actors have left as deep a mark on popular culture as James Carter Cathcart. His work in the Pokémon anime began in the late 1990s, during the franchise’s early expansion into the West. Cathcart quickly became known for voicing several of the most beloved and recognizable characters in the English-language version of the series, including Meowth, the wise Professor Oak, the brash Gary Oak, and the flamboyant Team Rocket member, James.
James Carter Cathcart’s ability to seamlessly embody multiple characters made him essential to the show’s success. Fans praised his vocal range, comedic timing, and emotional expressiveness. His portrayal of Meowth, in particular, became a highlight of the series, mixing humor and vulnerability in a way that resonated with both children and adults.
For more than 20 years, James Carter Cathcart was a constant presence in the Pokémon anime. His voice became deeply tied to childhood nostalgia for many fans who grew up with the franchise.
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Beyond Pokémon: A Multifaceted Career in Music, Voice Acting, and CommercialsBefore conquering the anime world, James Carter Cathcart pursued a music career. He started performing in high school and later became a member of the rock band The Laughing Dogs, which released two albums with Columbia Records in the 1970s. He was also the lead vocalist for the Carter Cathcart Band, showcasing his talents as a songwriter and musician.
Outside of music, Cathcart entered the voice acting industry during the 1980s. He found early success voicing commercials for major brands such as Kit Kat, Coors Light, and Wendy’s. As his career progressed, he joined 4Kids Entertainment and became one of its most prolific talents.
Apart from Pokémon, James Carter Cathcart voiced Weevil Underwood in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X, and characters in video games such as Shadow the Hedgehog. His contributions extended into script adaptation and dialogue direction, helping English dubs stay faithful and engaging for international audiences.
A Brave Battle with Throat Cancer and a Graceful Exit from the Industry
In January 2023, James Carter Cathcart was diagnosed with an aggressive form of throat cancer that began at the base of his tongue. The diagnosis came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike. He continued to work through early treatment but eventually made the difficult decision to retire from voice acting in April 2023.
Despite intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatments, his condition worsened, and he was forced to withdraw completely from the industry. Cathcart’s final project was voicing his longtime characters in Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys. His wife, Martha Jacobi, stood by him during his treatment, updating fans through the CaringBridge platform.
Martha reported that his tumors weren’t responding to treatment as hoped, prompting more aggressive rounds of therapy. She took leave from her academic career to be his full-time caregiver, supporting him through every stage of his journey.
Tributes Pour In for James Carter Cathcart from the Voice Acting and Pokémon Community
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes came from across the entertainment world. Fellow Pokémon voice actor Erica Schroeder described James Carter Cathcart as a “joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted, and talented soul.” Her heartfelt tribute highlighted his musical and literary talents, calling him a “master of the pen, piano, and microphone.”
Fans around the world also mourned his death on social media, sharing memories of how his performances shaped their love for Pokémon. For many, James Carter Cathcart wasn’t just a voice actor—he was the voice of their childhood.
Though Cathcart remained relatively private about his personal life, his contributions to entertainment, voice acting, and music cement his legacy as one of the most influential figures in anime dubbing history.
James Carter Cathcart leaves behind a legacy filled with warmth, creativity, and unforgettable characters. His unique voice brought joy to millions, while his humility and dedication earned him immense respect among peers. Though he is no longer with us, his voice will continue to echo in Pokémon episodes, video games, and cherished memories.
His work defined an era of animation for English-speaking audiences, and his voice continues to shape the legacy of the Pokémon universe. Rest in peace, James Carter Cathcart—you will always be remembered.
