The Pokemon community is mourning the loss of James Carter Cathcart, the talented voice actor who brought to life some of the most beloved characters in the Pokemon anime series. Cathcart, who passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with throat cancer, was the voice behind iconic characters such as Gary Oak, Professor Oak, James, and Meowth.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cathcart not only lent his voice to these memorable characters but also contributed to over 700 episodes of the Pokemon anime as a scriptwriter. His work extended beyond Pokemon, with notable roles in other popular anime series like Sonic X, Yu-Gi-Oh, and One Piece.

The official Pokemon Twitter account shared a heartfelt tribute to Cathcart, expressing deep sorrow over his passing. The post highlighted his immense contributions to the franchise and acknowledged that his legacy would continue to inspire trainers worldwide. Fans from around the globe have also shared their condolences, reminiscing about the joy his performances brought to their childhoods.

Cathcart's passing marks another tragic loss for the original Pokemon anime cast. In 2024, the community also mourned the death of Rachael Lillis, the original voice of Misty and Jessie, who similarly succumbed to cancer. Both actors had worked together on various projects, including classic anime dubs like The Slayers and Revolutionary Girl Utena.