Danica Davidson
July 11, 2025 
There is sad news in the world of anime with the report that English voice actor James Carter Cathcart has passed away at age 71. His wife, Martha S Jacobi, announced on Facebook:
JCC died, peacefully, very early in the morning, on Tuesday 7/8/25, at Calvary Hospital, in the Bronx.
The funeral will be in early August, In New York. Memorial designations are still in process, pending conversations with one of the charities that was close to Jimmy’s heart. I will post those here [on my Facebook page] when they are in place.
Offline condolences may be sent to PO Box 750132, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Thanks to all of Jimmy’s fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft. Please know how much he appreciated you!
And please note that I will not be responding to any individual online messages—best to make your comments on this page. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
It was public knowledge that Cathcart was sick. In 2023, Jacobi wrote online that Cathcart had “advanced cancer that appears to have started at the base of his tongue (the ‘waterfall,’ where the tongue goes into the throat), and has spread into both sides of his tongue and also some lymph glands in his neck.” Not surprisingly, Cathcart soon retired from voice work to concentrate on his health.
Cathcart has played Professor Oak, James and Meowth in Pokémon, as well as lending his voice talents to Yu Gi Oh!, Tokyo Mew Mew, One Piece, The Slayers and many more. He was working on the Pokémon anime since day one, and also did some work under the stage names Jimmy Zoppi, Billy Beach, and Carter Cathcart. Besides his voice talents, he was known for doing anime script adaptation as well.
Cathcart’s talents touched the lives of millions of people, and we share our sympathies with his family and loved ones.
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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