Stan Cadwallader is a name closely linked with Jim Nabors, the beloved actor and singer best known for his role as Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Though Cadwallader is primarily known for being the husband of Nabors, his life is much more than that. A retired firefighter and a private individual, Stan led a life of dedication to service and love, and his relationship with Nabors stands as a testament to commitment and loyalty.
Stan Cadwallader Early Life and Background
Stan Cadwallader was born on January 28, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Growing up on the Hawaiian islands, Cadwallader’s early life remained relatively private. He went on to pursue a career in public service, eventually becoming a firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department. This job required great bravery and commitment, traits that would serve him throughout his life. His work in the fire department made him a respected figure in the local community.
Stan Cadwallader Career as a Firefighter
Stan spent many years as a professional firefighter in Honolulu. The job was physically demanding and required him to be calm under pressure. During his time as a firefighter, Cadwallader earned the trust and admiration of his colleagues, as well as the people he served. His career in public service was defined by quiet strength and selflessness, characteristics that would define his life both on and off the job.
While most of his career was dedicated to serving his community, Stan never sought fame or recognition. He quietly went about his duties, earning the respect of everyone around him.
Stan Cadwallader Meeting Jim Nabors
Stan’s life would take a dramatic turn in 1975, when he met Jim Nabors while the actor was on vacation in Honolulu. At the time, Nabors was already a well-known star, thanks to his roles on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. However, the two quickly formed a bond, and what started as a friendship soon blossomed into a romantic relationship.
Their relationship remained private for many years, with Nabors and Cadwallader opting to live out of the public eye. The couple preferred a life of simplicity and tranquility, with the beauty of Hawaii providing the perfect backdrop for their shared life together. Their love story was one of quiet devotion, built on mutual respect and admiration.
Life in Hawaii
Throughout the years, Stan and Jim lived in Hawaii, where they enjoyed a peaceful and private life. They owned a macadamia nut farm on the island of Maui, which was a symbol of their shared love for nature and tranquility. The farm allowed them to escape the pressures of Hollywood and live a more relaxed and grounded life. While Jim was a celebrity, Stan’s preference for privacy meant they spent much of their time away from the media.
Despite their relatively low profile, their relationship was one of great depth and commitment. In interviews, Jim often spoke about their love for each other, expressing how deeply grateful he was to have found such a strong and supportive partner. Stan, for his part, kept a low profile, preferring to stay out of the limelight and live a more private life.
Stan Cadwallader Marriage of Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors
The love story between Stan and Jim culminated in a marriage on January 15, 2013, after same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington state. The couple had been together for nearly 38 years before officially tying the knot. The wedding was a small and private affair, attended by only their closest friends. Their marriage came at a time when LGBTQ+ rights were gaining more acceptance, and the couple’s decision to marry was seen as a significant moment for their relationship.
Jim and Stan’s marriage was not just a celebration of their love, but also a moment of legal recognition. For many years, their relationship had been kept private, with Jim even saying that he had never been ashamed of his sexuality but preferred to keep it private for personal reasons. When they finally married, it marked the culmination of years of love, companionship, and devotion.
Life After Jim Nabors’ Passing
In November 2017, Jim Nabors passed away after a battle with health issues. His death was a great loss not just for his fans, but for Stan as well. The couple had spent over four decades together, and Jim’s passing marked the end of a significant chapter in Stan’s life.
After Jim’s death, Stan chose to remain in Hawaii, where he could reflect on the life they had shared and find peace in the place that had been so important to both of them. Despite his grief, Stan continues to live a private life, staying out of the media and away from the public eye. He is often remembered for his quiet strength and the love he shared with Jim, a love that lasted through many years and trials.
Stan Cadwallader Net Worth
Stan Cadwallader’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. While much of his wealth comes from Jim Nabors’ estate, Stan himself had a successful career as a firefighter, which provided him with financial stability. Additionally, the couple’s estate in Hawaii, which includes their macadamia nut farm, also contributed to Stan’s financial well-being.
Though Stan never sought wealth or fame, his life with Jim Nabors has left him with significant financial assets. These assets were carefully managed, and after Jim’s death, Stan ensured that they remained secure. The couple’s quiet life and their careful planning allowed them to enjoy financial security without the pressures that often come with celebrity.
Stan Cadwallader Today
As of 2026, Stan Cadwallader is 78 years old. He continues to live in Hawaii, where he enjoys a peaceful, private life away from the public eye. After the passing of Jim Nabors, Stan chose to focus on his own well-being, spending time in the home they shared and reflecting on the life they built together.
Though he is no longer active in the public sphere, Stan’s legacy remains intertwined with that of Jim Nabors. His quiet life of devotion, service, and love continues to inspire those who remember the couple’s remarkable relationship.
Conclusion
Stan Cadwallader’s life story is one of service, quiet devotion, and love. His career as a firefighter was a testament to his commitment to helping others, while his relationship with Jim Nabors was a shining example of love that endured through decades of societal change. Though he may not seek fame or attention, Stan’s life stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and commitment.
Today, Stan continues to live in Hawaii, maintaining the privacy that he and Jim cherished throughout their relationship. His life, though largely spent away from the spotlight, remains an important chapter in the story of one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
