James Carter Cathcart

JAMES CARTER CATHCART 1954 - 2025

James Carter Cathcart (aka Jimmy Zoppi, Billy Beach, and Carter Cathcart), passed away in New York City on July 8, 2025, surrounded by the people who loved him most. Well known for his iconic voicing of Pokémon characters Gary & Professor Oak, James, Meowth, and many other Pokémon, he was a first a musician, writer, and producer before becoming a voiceover artist.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Martha S Jacobi; son Carter J. Cathcart, daughter Mackenzie L. Cathcart, step-daughters Nicole Zoppi and Stephanie Nale (Jeff Oatess), his sister Lee Ann Gilmer, niece Jamee Fields and her children, his aunt Peggy Lennon Cathcart Felt, several cousins and their families.

Jimmy, as he was known to his family, was born on January 4, 1954 in Michigan City IN to well-known musician James E. Cathcart (MGM orchestra violinist and founding conductor of the Michigan City IN Symphony Orchestra) and actress Lyn Wilde Cathcart (of The Wilde Twins), who both predeceased him. He began piano studies with Mary Jane Lucas, in Michigan City, and as a teen, studied in Chicago under Mollie Margolies.

A child prodigy, Jimmy honed his talent at the internationally acclaimed Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI. At Interlochen, Jimmy received highest honors in both classical and jazz piano, winning a concerto competition there playing the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto, No.1. His Senior Recital featured his classical and jazz repertoire, as well as his arrangements for string orchestra, performed by his peers.

Upon graduating from Interlochen, Jimmy focused his music on jazz, rock, and pop. He performed and recorded with the Ann Arbor, MI based New Heavenly Blue and Sky King, while also touring and recording with Dave Brubeck’s original Two Generations of Brubeck. After moving to New York in the mid-1970’s Jimmy became a founding member of The Laughing Dogs band, performing often at CBGB, throughout the greater New York City area, Long Island, and on national tours. The band opened for headline artists such as Blondie, and Micky Dolenz and Davey Jones of the Monkees. Jimmy later played keyboards on Rupert Holmes’ The Place Where Failure Goes, collaborated with Ace Frehley (Remember me), John Tesh (Tour de France album), and produced many artists, including The Roches.

Jimmy’s musical talent was also expressed in award-winning songwriting and arranging. He was the principal writer for the John Tesh/James Ingram song Give me forever (I do), many original songs, and arrangements covering others’ work, recorded through his own production company, Wild Twin Records.

Often working as a session musician, notator for lead sheets, and composer/lyricist for various jingles, Jimmy’s signature tunes include the original theme song for Hello Kitty! It was this work that, in part, led him into voice acting, his role as O.G. Readmore, his beloved roles in Pokémon, some of which he voiced from the first to the last episode of the 25 years of the original series, and eventually his 17 years as the English script adaptor for the show. It was a career that he treasured, with much laughter and some tears while working, and a fan base that motivated him to give his all in his work.

Jimmy had a heart for people experiencing food insecurity. In his 60th year, he returned to his first love, classical piano, and offered a series of recitals, benefitting the soup kitchens of the host organizations for the recitals, one of which was in his hometown of Michigan City. Jimmy was also a strong supporter and advocate for the power of arts education in the lives of young creatives.

We, Jimmy’s family, are grateful for the outpouring of love and support that we have experienced during his various illnesses over the last several years, and especially since his terminal diagnosis in January of this year. Every post we have seen from those who loved and admired Jimmy/Carter has meant more to us than we could possibly express. Your kind words continue to encourage us now, as we celebrate Jimmy’s life, and process the profundity of losing him too soon.

Funeral services will be held in New York City, in early August.

Condolences may be sent to Jimmy’s family c/o The Rev. Dr. Martha S Jacobi PO Box 750132 Forest Hills NY 11375 In lieu of flowers, Jimmy requested that memorial donations be directed to:

• St. Luke’s Soup Kitchen: https://stlukesnyc.org/soup-kitchen/ and/or

• Interlochen Center for the Arts: https://give.interlochen.org/fundraiser/6498696

Donations made to Interlochen will added to the James Carter Cathcart and Martha S Jacobi Scholarship Fund, benefitting Interlochen Arts Academy students of piano and/or dance.