On July 8, 2025, James Carter Cathcart, aged 71, succumbed to his valiant battle against throat cancer. Renowned for his iconic roles within the Pokémon universe, his voice lent life to numerous characters across the animated series. Most memorably, he was the voice behind Team Rocket's James and his Pokémon companion, Meowth. Additionally, he brought Professor Oak and Gary Oak to life, captivating audiences for an impressive 25 years before his retirement in 2023, necessitated by his illness.
Variety magazine attests, "Cathcart's versatility extended far beyond Pokémon, voicing Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X, Weevil Underwood and Lumis in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Masters, and contributing his talents to shows such as One Piece, Aria, Kirby: Right Back at Ya, The Slayers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mission Odyssey, and countless others." His impact on the voice-acting industry was immense and unparalleled.
In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, his Pokémon co-star Erica Schroeder penned, "Rest in peace, dear, wonderful man. I will cherish your absence deeply. The community, the world, will mourn your loss. You were a beacon of joy, exuberance, kindness, and talent—a one-of-a-kind soul, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius. I was fortunate to call you my friend." She concluded with poignant words, "Master of the pen, piano, and microphone. Beloved by many. Devoted father and husband. Thank you for your extraordinary gifts."
Beyond his voice-acting endeavors, James Carter Cathcart was a creative force to be reckoned with. Deadline reveals, "Before embarking on his voice-acting journey, Cathcart strummed the guitar and sang for The Laughing Dogs, a 1970s New York punk band that was a staple at CBGB's and toured alongside legends like the Patti Smith Group, Cheap Trick, and Blondie. Their song 'Get Outta My Way' featured on the soundtrack of Randall Miller's 2013 film CBGB."
Deadline further reports, "Cathcart's passing was announced on Facebook by his wife, Martha Jacobi, who wrote, 'Thank you to all of Jimmy’s fans over the years! Bringing you joy was his ultimate motivation in honing his craft. Please know how deeply he valued each and every one of you!'"
