What Happened to Stan Cadwallader After Jim Nabors Passed Away?

Jim Nabors was one of those rare stars who made people smile the moment he appeared on screen. From his role as the lovable Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show to his deep baritone singing voice, he was adored by fans everywhere.

But behind that famous smile was a quiet love story that stayed hidden for many years. The man who shared Jim Nabors’ life for more than 38 years was Stan Cadwallader, a firefighter from Honolulu, Hawaii. Their bond began in the 1970s, long before same-sex marriage was even imaginable in America.

In this article, we’ll explore who Stan Cadwallader really is, how he met Jim Nabors, their beautiful life together, and what happened to him after Jim’s passing.

Stan Cadwallader Quick Bio

Who Is Stan Cadwallader?

Stan Cadwallader is best known as the husband of late actor and singer Jim Nabors. But before that, he lived a quiet and hardworking life in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was born on January 28, 1948, and grew up with a strong sense of duty and kindness.

From a young age, Stan loved helping others. That passion led him to join the Honolulu Fire Department, where he worked as a firefighter for many years. His bravery and commitment to saving lives earned him respect in his community.

Stan’s life changed forever in the mid-1970s when he met a friendly tourist who happened to be one of Hollywood’s biggest television stars — Jim Nabors.

How Stan Cadwallader Met Jim Nabors

Their love story began in 1975 in Honolulu. Jim Nabors, who had already gained fame from The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., was visiting Hawaii for a short break. That’s when he met Stan — a down-to-earth, kind-hearted firefighter.

They met by chance and soon became friends. What started as simple conversations turned into something deeper. Despite their different worlds — one a celebrity, the other a local firefighter — they connected instantly.

Over time, friendship grew into love. But during that era, same-sex relationships were rarely spoken of publicly. So, Stan and Jim decided to keep their relationship private. Yet, behind closed doors, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and loyalty.

A Love Story That Stayed Secret for Decades

For nearly 40 years, Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors shared their lives quietly, away from cameras and public judgment. They attended events together and even traveled, but most people didn’t know they were partners.

Jim later revealed in an interview that he never wanted to hide out of shame — he simply wanted to keep his personal life private. He once said,

“I’m very happy that I’ve had a partner of 38 years, and I feel very blessed.”

Friends and neighbors in Hawaii knew about their relationship, and they often described them as kind, gentle, and deeply caring people. Their love survived in silence during a time when acceptance wasn’t common.

It’s inspiring to think that their story stood strong through decades of social change — a story of two people who loved each other deeply and refused to let the world define their happiness.

Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors’ Beautiful Wedding

After being together for nearly four decades, Stan and Jim finally had the chance to make their love official. In January 2013, when same-sex marriage became legal in Washington State, the couple traveled from Hawaii to Seattle.

They got married in a private ceremony at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, surrounded by a few close friends. Jim was 82 years old, and Stan was 64. The ceremony was small but meaningful — a quiet promise between two people who had already spent a lifetime together.

Jim said after the wedding,

“It’s pretty obvious that we had no rights as a couple, yet when you’ve been together 38 years, I think something’s got to happen there. You’ve got to solidify something.”

For both men, it was a long-awaited moment of peace and recognition. After decades of love in private, they could finally stand as a married couple in the eyes of the law.

Life Together in Hawaii

After their marriage, Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors continued to live in their Hawaii home — a peaceful paradise surrounded by palm trees and ocean views. Hawaii had always been Jim’s escape from Hollywood life.

Their home wasn’t just beautiful; it was filled with memories, laughter, and friendship. They enjoyed simple days — gardening, swimming, and spending time with their close circle of friends.

Jim was known for hosting small gatherings filled with music, jokes, and kindness, and Stan was always by his side. Together, they created a life that was quiet but full of love — far away from fame and city lights.

Jim Nabors’ Health Struggles and Stan’s Support

Even during Jim’s career, he faced several health problems. In the 1970s, he suffered from ulcers due to stress and an overwhelming schedule. Later, in 1994, he underwent a liver transplant after contracting hepatitis B.

Through it all, Stan Cadwallader was his constant support. He was there during hospital visits, recovery days, and every setback. Their bond only grew stronger as they faced challenges together.

Jim continued performing for fans as much as his health allowed. He even returned to sing at the Indianapolis 500 — a tradition loved by many. Each time, Stan quietly stood in the background, proud and supportive.

Their love wasn’t about fame or money. It was about loyalty, care, and staying together no matter what life brought their way.

Jim Nabors’ Passing and Stan Cadwallader’s Grief

In November 2017, the world lost a gentle and talented soul — Jim Nabors. He passed away peacefully at home in Honolulu, Hawaii, just days after Thanksgiving. He was 87 years old.

Stan Cadwallader was by his side in those final days. He shared later that Jim’s health had started to decline quickly. After some medical tests, they brought him home, where he spent his last moments in comfort.

Stan was heartbroken. In an interview, he said:

“Everybody knows he was a wonderful man. And that’s all we can say about him. He’s going to be dearly missed.”

It was a painful time for Stan. After 42 years together — including four years of marriage — he had lost the love of his life.

What Happened to Stan Cadwallader After Jim Nabors Died?

After Jim’s passing, Stan Cadwallader quietly stepped away from public life. He stayed in Hawaii, where he and Jim had built their life together.

Stan has always been a private person. Even during their relationship, he rarely gave interviews or appeared in the spotlight. So it’s no surprise that after Jim passed, Stan chose peace and privacy.

He is still believed to be living in Honolulu today. While there’s no news of him remarrying or speaking publicly, those close to the couple say Stan continues to live a quiet, calm life — just the way he always liked it.

Stan Cadwallader’s Net Worth and Life Today

As of recent reports, Stan Cadwallader’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $16 million.

This wealth likely comes from shared assets, savings, and the properties he and Jim owned together. One of their homes, a beautiful beachside estate in Hawaii, was sold for $12 million in 2018.

Even with that money, Stan has never been flashy. He lives simply, enjoying his retirement and the memories of a life well spent. He doesn’t use social media or attend Hollywood events. Instead, he values peace, privacy, and the deep bond he shared with Jim.

Stan Cadwallader’s Family and Background

Not much is known about Stan’s early family life. He was born in Honolulu and spent most of his life there. Some reports say he also spent part of his childhood in Michigan, where he went to high school.

Stan followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also a firefighter. He joined the Honolulu Fire Department in his early 20s and worked there for many years.

Helping others was always part of who he was. That same caring spirit is what helped him support Jim through the ups and downs of life.

Stan Cadwallader’s Personality and Legacy

Even though he is not a celebrity, Stan Cadwallader has inspired many people. He’s often described as humble, kind, and loyal — someone who stayed true to his values no matter what.

His story with Jim Nabors is not just about love — it’s also about patience, quiet strength, and standing by someone through everything.

Stan never looked for fame. He didn’t need the spotlight. But by simply being there for Jim, through illness, fame, and personal challenges, he became a symbol of what real love looks like.

Where Is Stan Cadwallader Now?

So where is Stan Cadwallader today?

As of 2025, he is believed to still live in Honolulu, Hawaii, though he keeps to himself. There are no reports of him taking part in public events or new relationships.

And that’s okay.

Some people touch the world not through fame, but through quiet, steady love. Stan Cadwallader is one of those people.

His story may not be told on TV or in big headlines, but it lives on — in the heart of anyone who believes in loyalty, kindness, and the beauty of a simple, lasting bond.

Final Thoughts

The story of Stan Cadwallader and Jim Nabors is one of quiet love and deep devotion. It reminds us that not every great love story needs to be loud. Some of the strongest ones are lived in peace, far away from the cameras.

Stan stood by Jim for 38 years before they could marry — and continued to love him until the very end. After Jim’s passing, Stan chose to live in the same quiet way he always had, surrounded by memories, and holding on to love.

In a world full of noise, Stan Cadwallader’s story is a beautiful reminder that quiet love is still powerful, still real, and still worth telling.