James Carter Cathcart, voice of Pokémon’s James, Meowth & more, dies at 71 after battling throat cancer.
James Carter Cathcart, the beloved voice actor behind some of the most iconic characters in the Pokémon franchise, has died at the age of 71.
He passed away in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, following a prolonged battle with throat cancer.
Cathcart was a staple in the Pokémon universe for decades, voicing a wide range of characters including Team Rocket’s James, Meowth, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak.
His voice became a central part of the childhood memories of millions of fans across the globe.
In addition to Pokémon, he was well known in the gaming community for voicing Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game.
He was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of throat cancer in early 2023.
Despite undergoing several treatments, Cathcart did not respond well to initial therapies and eventually required more intensive chemotherapy.
Due to his declining health, he retired from voice acting in 2023 after finishing his work on the English dub of Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys.
Throughout his career, Cathcart was more than just a voice actor.
He was also a skilled writer, script adaptor, pianist, and vocalist.
His contributions to anime dubbing helped shape the way English-speaking audiences experienced Japanese animation.
Fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder paid tribute to him in a heartfelt message, describing him as “one of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls.”
She praised his genius with the pen, piano, and microphone, calling him a “gentle, beautiful, playful” artist who brought joy to everyone he worked with.
Cathcart leaves behind his wife, Martha Jacobi, and a legacy that spans over four decades in the entertainment industry.
Fans around the world continue to honor his memory and the unforgettable characters he brought to life.
Rest in peace, James Carter Cathcart — your voice will echo forever in the hearts of fans.
