Voice actor James Carter Cathcart, best known for his work on the animated series Pokémon, has died at the age of 71 following a battle with throat cancer. He died in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, on July 8. The news was confirmed by fellow voice actor and Pokemon co-star Erica Schroeder on Instagram.

"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. A friend to many. Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts," she penned.

James was forced to retire from voice acting in 2023 due to his throat cancer diagnosis, after a quarter of a century working on the popular show in which he provided the voices of James, Meowth and Professor Oak.

He had appeared from the very first episode in 1997 all the way through to Season 25, as well as reprising his roles in more than 15 Pokémon films. In total, he appeared in more than 700 episodes of Pokémon.

Fans were devastated by the news and took to Facebook to pay tribute to the star. "So sad to hear this. His voice was such a big part of so many childhoods - he truly brought Pokémon to life. Rest in peace, James Carter Cathcart," one wrote.

"RIP, his voice made a lasting impact on the joy of so many. James' voice is legendary, he always made me laugh the most," another added. "No, so sad. He was amazing as Professor Oak. I loved him in Pokémon," a third chimed in.

"RIP James, thanks for be wonderful Pokémon childhood!" a fourth shared. "Rest in peace, thank you for making so many of our childhoods as the iconic characters we enjoy on TV," a fifth penned. Meanwhile a sixth lamented: "I hate death!!! Sighhh thank you for my childhood sir!"

Born in New Jersey on March 8, 1954, James began his career as a musician in the 1970s. As a member of the rock band The Laughing Dogs, he was part of the influential punk scene around CBGB in New York. The band were so highly regarded that they toured with icons such as the Patti Smith Group, Cheap Trick, and Blondie.

He was also a songwriter and co-wrote Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley's solo track song Remember Me, from the 1989 album Trouble Walkin'.

He began his voiceover career in the 1980s playing Cap'n O. G. Readmore on ABC Weekend Specials. He went on to star as the voice of Vector the Crocodile in the anime series Sonic X, Weevil Underwood and Lumis in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Masters and contributed to other shows such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

He also did voiceover work in commercials for brands like Kit Kat candy bars, Good Humour, Coors Light and more.