James Carter Cathcart, affectionately known in the anime and voice acting community as Jimmy Zoppi, has passed away at the age of 71. The versatile voice actor, singer, and writer—best known for bringing to life beloved characters like James and Meowth of Team Rocket, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak in the Pokémon anime—died on July 8, 2025, following a courageous battle with throat cancer. He died in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, surrounded by loved ones.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of emotion across fan communities, with hashtags like #ThankYouJimmy and #MeowthForever trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and ResetEra.
The Man Behind the Mic: A Storied Career
Born on March 8, 1954, James Carter Cathcart began his professional journey not in a recording booth but in music. He performed with various rock and jazz groups, showcasing his skill as a musician and lyricist. Over time, Cathcart’s vocal talents led him to the voice acting world, where he would become one of the most recognizable voices in English-language anime.
Often credited as Jimmy Zoppi or Billy Beach, Cathcart’s range was nothing short of astounding. He could seamlessly shift from the bumbling charisma of Team Rocket’s James, to the scheming charm of Meowth, to the authority of Professor Oak, and the confidence of Gary Oak.
While Pokémon was his most prominent project—voicing characters from Season 1 all the way through to his retirement in 2023—Cathcart’s influence stretched beyond Pallet Town. He voiced Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X, worked on One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Ultimate Muscle, and lent his voice to video games, commercials, and narration across the media spectrum.
Health Battle and Retirement
Cathcart’s health challenges became public in early 2023 when his wife, Martha Jacobi, began sharing updates on CaringBridge, a site used to keep friends and fans informed about his condition.
In April 2023, Cathcart announced his retirement from voice acting, citing the intensifying treatment needed for his aggressive form of throat cancer. Despite the difficult decision, he expressed immense gratitude for the fans and colleagues who supported his 40+ year career.
His wife continued to provide thoughtful, heartfelt updates on his progress and setbacks, always emphasizing his “fighting spirit” and sense of humor even during the toughest days. On July 8, she shared the devastating update that James had passed, ending her note with, “He gave his voice to so many. And now, we carry it in our hearts.”
A Legacy That Echoes
Cathcart’s passing marks the end of a foundational era in English anime dubbing. To many who grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, his performances defined Saturday mornings and after-school routines. His portrayal of Meowth, in particular, remains one of the few consistent characters to span over two decades of Pokémon media.
Fans and fellow voice actors expressed deep sorrow and admiration in their tributes. Voice actor Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum, tweeted:
“Heartbroken by the loss of James Carter Cathcart. His voice, his humor, his warmth… he made all our journeys through the Pokémon world unforgettable.”
ResetEra, a prominent gaming and anime forum, hosted a memorial thread where users shared favorite moments, memorable quotes, and even voice impressions as a tribute to his work.
The hashtag #JamesMeowthVoiceActorDies surged across U.S. Google trends, showing just how deep his voice had embedded itself in pop culture.
The Industry Reacts: A Void That Can’t Be Filled
James Carter Cathcart’s passing is more than just the loss of a beloved performer—it represents the end of a foundational chapter in the U.S. anime dubbing industry. At a time when English anime dubs were finding their footing, Cathcart was among the few who set the bar high with sincerity, range, and heart.
His commitment to voicing multiple main characters in one show—while keeping each voice distinct and emotionally resonant—was rare. His performances became a masterclass in voice versatility and dedication.
As AI and international dubbing continue reshaping the landscape, the personal artistry of voice actors like Cathcart becomes even more cherished and irreplaceable.
Remembering James in His Own Words
In one of his last interviews, Cathcart once said:
“The beauty of voice work is you can be anything. A villain, a hero, a creature, a professor… and sometimes, all of them in the same episode.”
That spirit, boundless and creative, is what endeared him to millions.
Though he may be gone, his voice continues to echo in countless episodes, games, and the hearts of fans who heard him say, “Prepare for trouble… and make it double!”
FAQ Section
Q1: Who was James Carter Cathcart?
A1: James Carter Cathcart, also known as Jimmy Zoppi, was a voice actor best known for voicing Meowth, James, and Professor Oak in the Pokémon anime.
Q2: When did James Carter Cathcart die?
A2: He passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71, after battling throat cancer.
Q3: What characters did James Carter Cathcart voice?
A3: He voiced Meowth, James, Professor Oak, Gary Oak in Pokémon, and Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X, among many others.
Q4: Why did Jimmy Zoppi retire?
A4: He retired in 2023 due to worsening health from throat cancer, requiring aggressive treatment.
Q5: What is James Carter Cathcart’s legacy in voice acting?
A5: He is remembered for his iconic roles in Pokémon, his versatility, and his impact on English anime dubbing.
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