Pokémon’s Beloved Voice Actor James Carter Cathcart Passes at 71
Let’s break this down since you could easily miss the headlines: James Carter Cathcart, the voice behind iconic Pokémon characters, died at age 71. You probably saw the posts but didn’t grasp the full story, so here’s exactly what happened, step by step (well, not literally, but you get the point).
Cathcart’s wife, Martha Jacobi, broke the news on July 10 in a Facebook fan community. She explained that “Jimmy,” as she fondly called him, passed away peacefully early morning on July 8 at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx (E! Online). If you’re wondering about services, she confirmed a funeral is set for early August in New York, and memorial donations will be directed to one of Jimmy’s favorite charities once details are finalized.
In case you somehow missed his contributions, Cathcart lent his voice to Meowth, James, Professor Oak and many more in the English adaptation of Pokémon—so, yes, you definitely know his work even if you’ve never looked up a “voice actor.” Fans flooded social media, sending gratitude for the joy his performances brought them over decades.
Retirement and Health
Cathcart retired in 2023 after a courageous battle with throat cancer, a detail multiple outlets reported at the time. That diagnosis forced him to step back from the mic, but his legacy was already cemented among anime enthusiasts worldwide. He also went by the stage name Jimmy Zoppi and voiced characters in Sonic X, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Masters, Aria: The Animation and other animated series, proving his range extended well beyond the Pokémon universe.
A Colleague’s Tribute
Erica Schroeder, Cathcart’s colleague in the Pokémon voice cast, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She called him “a joyful, kind-hearted genius,” praising his talents not only at the microphone but also at the piano and with a pen—an all-around creative force whose friendship she deeply cherished (Instagram).
Personal Touches
Martha Jacobi’s message reflected how much Jimmy valued his fans. “Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft,” she wrote, urging followers to know that their support meant the world to him. If you’re planning to remember him, keep an eye out for the upcoming charity details, which Martha promised to post as soon as they’re official.
What to Watch Next
Whether you grew up reciting Meowth’s witty quips or admired Professor Oak’s sage advice, Cathcart’s voice shaped your Pokémon experience. His passing leaves a void in the fandom, but recorded episodes and heartfelt memories remain. Stay tuned for updates on memorials and ways to honor his legacy across social platforms.
Now that you’re fully up to speed, you can join the millions mourning this legendary voice actor. Hopefully that wasn’t too complicated—glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online
Erica Schroeder Instagram Post
Multiple entertainment outlets reporting Cathcart’s retirement
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
