Remembering James Carter Cathcart: The Voice Behind Pokémon's Most Iconic Characters
James Carter Cathcart, who gave life to some of Pokémon’s most loved English-language characters—Meowth, Team Rocket’s James, and Professor Oak—has died at 71. He passed away on July 8, 2025, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, after a prolonged fight with throat cancer. News of his passing spread quickly through fan communities and among animation professionals. His wife, Martha Jacobi, shared the heartbreaking update on her Facebook account and noted that a funeral is being planned for next month in New York.
Cathcart had been battling throat cancer for several years and had officially stepped away from voice acting in 2023 to focus on chemotherapy and his health. For many, it marked the end of an era: Cathcart wasn’t just a voice actor—he was a foundational pillar of the Pokémon English dub, present from its earliest U.S. broadcast episodes in the late '90s. Over countless episodes and films, his energetic and instantly recognizable delivery as Meowth and James became, for many fans, the definitive versions of those characters.
He also voiced Professor Oak, the wise mentor who kicked off so many Pokémon journeys, guiding Ash Ketchum (and audiences) through each adventure. It’s tough to picture the Pokémon universe without Cathcart’s range and humor sprinkled throughout.
His friends and fellow actors are remembering him as more than just a colleague. Erica Schroeder, a long-time voice actress who played Eevee and other roles in the franchise, described him as exuberant, joyful, and deeply kind. She shared her memories on Instagram, recalling moments that highlight the warmth and generosity Cathcart brought to recording sessions and meetups. His voice wasn’t just heard on screen—it made those around him feel seen and supported, too.
Cathcart’s personal life was equally rich. Before Martha Jacobi, he’d been married to actress Jeanne Gari, who also confirmed Cathcart’s death and illness in a recent interview. Those close to him say his sense of humor and artistry extended far beyond the studio walls: he played music, wrote lyrics, and mentored up-and-coming voice actors.
This news has prompted an outpouring of gratitude from those who grew up on the show and those who worked with him. As Jacobi shared, memorial contributions will go to a charity meaningful to Cathcart—a final legacy for someone whose art reached across generations and continents. As the Pokémon community mourns, the echoes of his work will continue to shape how fans remember Team Rocket’s charm, Meowth’s one-liners, and the wisdom of Professor Oak for years to come.
A Lasting Legacy in Animation
Looking back over Cathcart’s career, it’s impossible to separate his voice from the identity of Pokémon’s English adaptation. He joined the franchise in its infancy, staying through major cast shake-ups, production changes, and even the franchise’s transition to streaming. Meowth’s distinct Brooklyn accent, James’s comedic bravado, Oak’s gentle authority—all live on in the memories of those who tuned in after school or caught Pokémon on Saturday mornings. It’s rare for a single performer to leave such a deep imprint, but Cathcart did it with flair.
For newcomers and veterans in the voice acting world, Cathcart's life is a testament to sticking with your passions even as challenges arise. His resilience through illness and his commitment to supporting young talent set the bar. In the coming weeks, fans and friends will have the chance to say goodbye at his New York funeral and, no doubt, to remember him every time they hear “Prepare for trouble, and make it double!”
