The voice actor behind many fan-favorite characters in Pokémon has sadly passed away following a battle with cancer, according to reports.
James Carter Cathcart passed away on Tuesday in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, after a years-long battle with throat cancer, per TMZ.
He was 71.
Pokémon fans will forever remember James for voicing several beloved characters in the franchise, including Professor Oak, Meowth, Gary Oak, and Team Rocket’s James, making him a cornerstone of many childhoods around the world.
His talent didn’t stop with Pokémon. James was also well known in the Sonic universe, voicing Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and in the Shadow the Hedgehog video game.
James was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2023 and, despite undergoing initial treatments, he did not respond well and required more aggressive chemotherapy.
He ultimately retired from voice acting after completing his work on the English dub of Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys.
Writing on CaringBridge about Cathcart’s retirement, Martha Jacobi, James's wife, shared: “Jimmy has decided to retire from script adapting and voice dubbing for Pokémon USA, effective at the conclusion of Season 25.”
She continued: “He has been with the series since the first episode, so it is a timely decision as the series transitions to new characters and storylines.”
Expressing gratitude to the community that has supported them, Martha added: “We remain eternally grateful for your love, thoughts, comments, hearts, prayers, and well-wishes.”
Following the news of his passing, fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder shared a touching tribute, remembering James as “one of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls ... one of a kind, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius ... master of the pen, piano and microphone."