Pokemon Star James Carter Cathcart, 71, Passes Away; Tributes Pour In

A beloved Pokémon and Sonic voice actor had died aged 71 following a years-long battle with cancer.

James Carter Cathcart, also known as Jimmy Zoppi, passed away in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York – two years after he was diagnosed with throat cancer, a family member told TMZ.

On Pokémon he was the voice of characters including Professor Oak, Meowth, Gary Oak and James from Team Rocket.

He voiced Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game.

Cathcart underwent aggressive chemotherapy after he didn’t respond well to initial treatments.

His cancer forced him to retire from voice acting after finishing his work the English dub of Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys. in 2023.

Beloved Pokémon and Sonic voice actor James Carter Cathcart had died aged 71 following a years-long battle with cancer

The multitalented star voiced characters including Meowth (L) and Professor Oak (R)

Fellow Sonic icon Erica Schroeder paid heartbreaking tribute to Cathcart, writing: ‘Rest in peace dear sweet man. I will miss you.

‘The community will miss you. The world will miss you.

‘One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls no longer walks with us.

‘James Carter Cathcart you were one of a kind, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius and I was happy to call you my friend.

‘Master of the pen, piano and microphone. Friend to many.

‘Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts.’

As well as voice acting, Cathcart released two albums in 1979-1980 with his band, The Laughing Dogs.

He was also lead vocalist in the Carter Cathcart Band since 1981.

Cathcart underwent aggressive chemotherapy after he didn’t respond well to initial treatments

As well as voice acting, Cathcart released two albums in 1979-1980 with his band, The Laughing Dogs. He was also lead vocalist in the Carter Cathcart Band since 1981