Stan Cadwallader was a former Honolulu firefighter and licensed commercial pilot best known as the longtime partner and husband of entertainer Jim Nabors, the actor who played Gomer Pyle. The two met in 1975 in Hawaii, built a life together for nearly four decades, and legally married in 2013. Although Nabors was a television icon, Cadwallader largely stayed out of the spotlight, choosing a private and steady life beside his partner.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Stan Cadwallader |
| Known For | Husband of Jim Nabors |
| Profession | Former Honolulu firefighter; licensed commercial pilot |
| Met Jim Nabors | 1975, Honolulu |
| Marriage Year | 2013 (Seattle) |
| Relationship Length | About 40 years |
| Residence | Hawaii |
| Public Presence | Very private |
How Stan Cadwallader Met Jim Nabors?
Stan met Jim Nabors in 1975 at the Ala Moana shopping center in Honolulu. At the time, Cadwallader was working as a firefighter in Hawaii and living a modest life. Nabors had already found fame through The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle: USMC, but he had moved to Hawaii seeking a quieter lifestyle.
According to interviews Nabors gave later in life, the two connected quickly. What started as a simple meeting turned into a lifelong partnership. They shared similar values, a love for Hawaii, and a desire to live away from constant media attention.
Life Together in Hawaii
In 1976, Nabors made Hawaii his permanent home. Over time, he and Cadwallader built a stable life there. They renovated property in Diamond Head and later spent time at their farm in Hana, Maui.
Their relationship was not built around publicity. Instead, it centered on friendship and daily companionship. They often described themselves first as best friends and life partners before anything else.
While Nabors traveled for performances and public appearances, Hawaii remained their anchor.
Stan Cadwallader’s Career
Stan worked for years as a firefighter in Honolulu. The profession required teamwork, discipline, and reliability — qualities that also defined his personal life.
In 1978, Cadwallader became a licensed commercial pilot. He frequently flew Nabors in their private aircraft between their home and their farm in Hana. This detail often surprised people because Nabors himself did not fly planes, yet he was named an honorary naval pilot later in life.
Cadwallader’s aviation skills became part of their shared lifestyle in Hawaii.
Relationship Timeline
| Year | Event |
| 1975 | Stan meets Jim Nabors in Honolulu |
| 1976 | Nabors permanently moves to Hawaii |
| 1978 | Stan becomes licensed commercial pilot |
| 2012 | Civil union ceremony in Honolulu |
| 2013 | Marriage in Seattle |
| 2017 | Jim Nabors passes away |
Their Marriage in 2013
Although they had been together for nearly 38 years, Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors legally married in January 2013 in Seattle, Washington, after same-sex marriage became legal there.
The ceremony was private and small. Nabors later described it as simple and meaningful rather than grand or political. They did not treat it as a public event, but as a personal milestone after decades of commitment.
Nabors once explained that after being together for so long, it simply made sense to formalize what already existed.
Jim Nabors’ Health and Final Years
In the final decades of his life, Jim Nabors faced serious health challenges, including:
- A liver transplant in 1994
- Open-heart surgery in 2012
- Chronic asthma
- Knee reconstruction
- Pacemaker and heart valve procedures
Because of these health concerns, Nabors eventually stopped traveling long distances. He spent most of his final years in Hawaii with Cadwallader.
On November 30, 2017, Jim Nabors passed away at his home in Hawaii at the age of 87. Cadwallader was by his side.
After Nabors’ passing, Cadwallader continued to live privately.
A Relationship Built on Privacy
Unlike many celebrity couples, Stan and Jim Nabors avoided public activism or media campaigns about their relationship. Nabors openly acknowledged his sexuality later in life but never turned it into a public cause.
They preferred a quiet routine — time at home, visits to their farm, and companionship away from Hollywood.
Their story stands out because it lasted nearly 40 years in an industry known for short-lived relationships.
Confirmed vs Unconfirmed Details
To keep things clear:
Confirmed
- They met in 1975
- Cadwallader was a Honolulu firefighter
- He became a licensed pilot in 1978
- They married in 2013 in Seattle
- Nabors died in 2017 in Hawaii
Not Publicly Confirmed
- Stan Cadwallader’s exact birth date
- Detailed personal background before Hawaii
- Financial details or net worth
Maintaining this distinction helps avoid speculation.
Why Is Stan Cadwallader Still Searched Today?
Search interest continues because:
- Jim Nabors remains a recognizable television figure
- People want to know about his personal life
- Long-term same-sex relationships in Hollywood history draw attention
- Their nearly 40-year partnership is rare and notable
Stan Cadwallader’s name often appears in searches tied to Nabors’ legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Stan Cadwallader?
Stan was a former Honolulu firefighter and licensed pilot, best known as Jim Nabors’ longtime partner and husband.
How did Stan meet Jim Nabors?
They met in 1975 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
When did Stan and Jim Nabors get married?
They married in January 2013 in Seattle, Washington.
How long were Jim Nabors and Stan together?
They were together for nearly 40 years.
What did Stan do for a living?
He worked as a firefighter in Honolulu and later became a licensed commercial pilot.
Did Stan work in entertainment?
No confirmed records show that he pursued a career in entertainment.
Is Stan still alive?
There are no credible public reports indicating otherwise.
Where did the couple live?
They lived primarily in Hawaii, including a home in Diamond Head and property in Hana.
Did Jim Nabors have children?
There are no confirmed records of Jim Nabors having children.
Why did they marry in Seattle?
They traveled to Seattle because same-sex marriage was legally recognized there at the time.
Was their wedding public?
No, it was a private ceremony with a small number of people present.
What was Stan Cadwallader’s role in Nabors’ final years?
He remained by Nabors’ side in Hawaii as Nabors dealt with health issues and until his passing in 2017.
Final Thoughts
Stan Cadwallader may not have been a celebrity himself, but his life intersected with television history through his long partnership with Jim Nabors. Their relationship, built on friendship and shared life in Hawaii, lasted nearly four decades — far longer than many public romances.
While Nabors was known worldwide as Gomer Pyle, at home he was simply Jim — and Stan was the steady presence beside him.
