11-07-2025
James Carter Cathcart, ‘Pokémon' voice actor, passes away
James Carter Cathcart, known for voicing iconic characters in the "Pokémon" franchise such as Professor Oak, Gary, and James and Meowth of Team Rocket, has passed away. He was 71.
His death was announced by his wife, Martha S. Jacobi, in posts on Facebook.
Cathcart died peacefully on July 8 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York, United States. His funeral will be held in early August at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in New York City.
"Thanks to all of Jimmy's fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft. Please know how much he appreciated you!" Jacobi wrote in a post in the Facebook group The James Carter Cathcart Fan Club.
Jacobi did not disclose the cause of death.
The New York Times has reported that Cathcart's ex-wife Jeanne Gari said in an interview that he passed away from throat cancer.
Cathcart, also known as Jimmy Zoppi, Billy Beach, and Carter Cathcart, was involved with the "Pokémon" franchise for over 20 years, beginning with "Pokémon: The First Movie" in 1998.
His voice acting credits on IMdB also include "Yu-Gi-Oh!" "One Piece," "Sonic X," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and "Mission Odyssey," among many others.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
