The world of Pokémon recently took a moment to honor the late voice actor James Carter Cathcart, who was known for bringing to life beloved characters such as Gary Oak, Professor Oak, James, and Meowth. A tribute shared by the official Pokémon Twitter account reflects on his significant contributions to the franchise and showcases memorable moments from his impressive voice work. Cathcart passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with throat cancer. Beyond his iconic roles in Pokémon, Cathcart’s voice was featured in numerous other popular anime and gaming projects, including Sonic X, Yu-Gi-Oh, and One Piece.
The tribute expresses the sorrow felt by the Pokémon community following his passing and acknowledges that Cathcart not only lent his voice to many characters but also contributed over 700 episodes’ worth of scripts for the Pokémon anime. His legacy will continue to resonate with fans, reaching the hearts of Trainers around the world. Cathcart’s loss is particularly poignant within the context of the changes in the English dub cast throughout the years. He debuted in the very first episode as Ash’s rival, Gary Oak, and his departure follows another significant loss within the original cast, that of Rachael Lillis.
She passed away in 2024 after her own battle with cancer and was cherished for voicing Misty, Ash’s companion, as well as Jessie from Team Rocket. While they may not have portrayed Jessie and James concurrently, the impact of their collective talent has left a lasting impression on Pokémon fans. The tribute to Cathcart serves as a fitting acknowledgment of a figure who made many Pokémon characters unforgettable. Although he is no longer with us, fans will always remember his distinctive voice and the characters he animated, ensuring his spirit lives on in the hearts of Pokémon enthusiasts.