New York City — James Carter Cathcart, a distinguished voice actor renowned for his work in the Pokémon franchise and the animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, passed away on July 8 at Calvary Hospital. He was 71 years old and succumbed to throat cancer.
His wife, Martha Jacobi, announced his death in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing gratitude to his fans. “Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft,” she wrote, emphasizing Cathcart’s appreciation for the support he received throughout his career.
With a career spanning several decades, Cathcart lent his voice to over 700 episodes, 15 films, and numerous video games related to Pokémon, beginning with Pokémon: The First Movie in 1998. His iconic characters included Professor Oak, rival Gary Oak, and Team Rocket member James, alongside the beloved Pokémon Meowth.
Before his retirement in 2023, which followed his cancer diagnosis, Cathcart also voiced characters in various animated series, including Sonic X, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Masters, and Little Bird’s Big Adventure. He was sometimes known by the name Jimmy Zoppi in some of his projects.
In addition to his voice work, Cathcart had a background in music as a guitarist and vocalist for The Laughing Dogs, a punk band popular in the 1970s. The group performed at legendary venues like CBGB and toured with prominent bands such as Patti Smith Group and Blondie. Their song “Get Outta My Way” was featured in the soundtrack of the 2013 film CBGB.
His passing has resonated deeply within the entertainment community. Co-star Erica Schroeder, known for her work in Pokémon, shared her sorrow on Instagram, calling him “one of a kind” and praising his joyful spirit and exceptional talent. She acknowledged his impact on those who knew him, expressing a profound sense of loss felt by friends and fans alike.
A funeral service is scheduled to be held in New York in early August, as family and friends prepare to commemorate Cathcart’s life and legacy. His contributions to both voice acting and music leave an indelible mark that will be cherished by many.