Pokémon honors James Carter Cathcart, the voice behind Meowth, James, Gary Oak, and Professor Oak. Here’s a look back at his legacy, impact, and how fans are remembering him.
A Voice That Defined a Generation—James Carter Cathcart Remembered
If you grew up with Pokémon, odds are James Carter Cathcart shaped your childhood more than you realized. From the cocky charm of Gary Oak to the pure chaos of Meowth and the campy drama of Team Rocket’s James, his voice was everywhere—and now, the world is a little quieter without him.
Cathcart passed away on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71, following a battle with throat cancer. And let’s be real—losing someone who’s been with the franchise from day one hits hard. Really hard.
Pokémon’s Official Tribute: “His Legacy Will Live On”
The official Pokémon Twitter account shared a heartfelt message following the news, saying they were saddened by the loss and emphasizing that Cathcart didn’t just voice fan-favorite characters—he also wrote scripts for over 700 episodes. That’s not just voice talent, that’s backbone-of-the-franchise-level dedication.
They closed their tribute by saying his legacy will continue to “reach the hearts of Trainers everywhere.” And honestly? Facts.
The Voices That Stayed With Us
Let’s give this man his flowers:
- Gary Oak – The original smug rival. If you ever wanted to punch a 10-year-old cartoon kid, Cathcart nailed that vibe.
- James (Team Rocket) – Fabulous, dramatic, and always somehow getting blasted off again.
- Meowth – That’s right! The only Pokémon who actually spoke English full-time and pulled it off with New York flair.
- Professor Oak – The wise old dude who inexplicably let kids run the world’s most dangerous internship.
It’s rare to have one voice actor handle that many iconic roles and actually make each one feel distinct. But Cathcart pulled it off—and then some.
A Loss That Follows Another
Cathcart’s passing comes just a year after the 2024 death of Rachael Lillis, the original English voice of Misty and Jessie (Team Rocket’s other half). While the two weren’t voicing Team Rocket during the same seasons, they were both part of the show’s earliest magic, helping build a cultural moment that lasted decades.
They also collaborated on classics like The Slayers and Revolutionary Girl Utena, earning their place not just in Pokémon history, but anime history at large.
Why This Loss Feels So Personal for Fans
For a lot of us, Pokémon wasn’t just a Saturday morning cartoon—it was the Saturday morning cartoon. It taught us about friendship, perseverance, and yes, blasting off again with style.
Cathcart wasn’t just background noise—his voice brought emotion, comedy, and personality that stuck with us well past childhood. Ask any fan what Meowth sounded like, and they’ll channel him, not the Japanese version or any successor.
It’s hard to overstate how many lives were touched by this man simply doing his job really, really well.
A Tribute Worth Rewatching
Who: James Carter Cathcart
Voiced: Gary Oak, James, Meowth, Professor Oak
Career: Voice actor + writer on over 700 Pokémon episodes
Passed Away: July 8, 2025 (Age 71, throat cancer)
Legacy: One of the most prolific and beloved voices in anime dubs and gaming
One Last Poké Ball Throw
Cathcart may be gone, but he left behind something that’s kind of immortal. Whether you’re rewatching old episodes, quoting Meowth’s one-liners, or explaining to your kids why Gary Oak had 10 cheerleaders for no reason—his voice is still with us.
It’s more than fair to say he helped define what the Pokémon anime was. And that’s a legacy even Arceus would nod to.
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