James Carter Cathcart, a voice actor who starred as several popular character in the “ Pokemon ” franchise, died Tuesday after complications from oral cancer. He was 71. Cathcart voiced Professor Oak, his grandson Gary Oak, Team Rocket member James and his Pokemon sidekick Meowth for 25 years in the long-running anime.

The longest serving Pokemon voice actor, who's been with the franchise since it's English premier, has sadly passed away at 71.

While best known for Pokemon, Cathcart was prolific voice actor who's credited as Weevil Underwood and Lumis in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, Sir Gallant and Chef Nagoya in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, Butchie in One Piece, and Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X.