The voice actor died at the age of 71.
The beloved voice actor James Carter Cathcart, aka Jimmy Zoppi, has unfortunately passed away. He was 71 years old, and had been struggling with an advanced form of throat cancer, which ultimately took his life on 8 July, 2025. Cathcart was known for voicing many characters in the popular Pokémon anime series, and the fandom mourns his loss.
James Carter Cathcart voiced many beloved Pokémon characters
James’ death was confirmed by a facebook post from his wife Martha Jacobi. His fellow voice actress Erica Schroeder also posted on Instagram saying: “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.”
James began his journey in Pokémon back in 1998 with the film Pokémon: The First Movie. Over the next two decades, he voiced beloved characters in the franchise such as Professor Oak, Gary, James, and Meowth. His last voice acting performance in the franchise was in Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, which came out in 2020. Other than Pokémon, Cathcart lent his voice to the English dubs of Sonic X, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Duel Monsters, as well as Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, Teenager Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mission Odyssey.
Born on 8 March, 1954, Cathcart entered the world of entertainment at a young age. Ultimately, he is immortalised in all the beloved characters he voiced throughout his long career. He was diagnosed with throat cancer back in 2023, which forced him to retire from voice acting. He will always remain a legend in the eyes of fans who grew up loving his voice on the screen.
