This Incredible Act of Loyalty Cost Jim Nabors His Show!

[@goldendogwoodworks6675]

My brother met Jim when he was still living in Los Angeles. Jim was a member of the the Hollywood Holiday Health spa. My brother became Jim’s personal trainer. When I met Jim I was in the USMC serving at Pendleton. He made me feel like I was the superstar. He was in my book a very great man who never got the respect he deserved.

[@stephencarlsbad]

Thats awesome! Did he use his high voice and southern twang accent?

[@goldendogwoodworks6675]

@@stephencarlsbad he used his normal voice that was not as shrill that we heard on TV.

[@moriyahviera6444]

Oh nice! Did you ever appear on the show?

[@badatheist9948]

@@moriyahviera6444 the show was long over when I met Jim. The only time I ever was on TV was during desert storm. But there were a few hundred of us at that time

[@moriyahviera6444]

@@badatheist9948 I want to be in TV some day!

[@robbennett5680]

Met him in a bathroom at the Mansion Inn for lunch, in Sacrament, Ca where I had taken my BIG mouthed boss. She was the type who had done everything you had, but just a little bit better. Jim helped play a prank her by pretending to be a really good friend of mine. It was great and he proved to be not only a gentleman but one of the nicest folks I've ever met.

[@jdsundstrom]

Nice! Thanks for sharing your memories, Rob!

[@shvettyballs7045]

Why did you have lunch in the bathroom?

[@didyasaysomethin2me]

Priceless! 🤣

[@edwardsawtell5712]

Wow!

[@__GALLANT__]

Why did you two meet for lunch in the bathroom? Did you have a private table in there or were men coming and going while you were eating?

[@noragamishiro]

Jim Nabors was a friend of my father and would visit him when he came into town to perform at the local dinner theater. He came to my wedding reception as my father's guest. He was a true gentleman and very polite. He always said " Sir" and "Ma'am" when answering my relatives' many questions. He gave us a box of chocolates from a company that used the macadamia nuts he grew. What a class act. I was honored to meet him.

[@KortovElphame]

Awesome!

[@The_CIA]

*_Incredible! Cherish those memories._*

[@michaelmantle6043]

Pangur Ban's Quest So, he gave you a box of chocolates using his macadamia nuts, which probably cost him nothing. That's a class act?

[@freeguy77]

@@michaelmantle6043 I'm sure he had to pay for the chocolate pieces from the company, if you read what Pangur wrote!

[@tongmaa]

@@michaelmantle6043 No content Ytube sites are becoming the 'proof' that you are a 'Troll', and whose comments are directed from 'Above', or a direct attack to belittle your 'victim' and to support the 'Big Lie' media; although without much thought, reason, or some other 'Big Lie' tactic through inference. What it does, is highlight your material thought process, and not any compliment to your character.

[@suzannerobbins6293]

I met Jim Nabors on a hot day in my hometown of Indianapolis Indiana ...he was walking at the track. He always sang Back Home Again In Indiana before the race. What I remember is how very nice he was..He didn’t act hurried even though I stopped him for an autograph! Some stars are just too busy, or not nice. Jim Nabors was truly one of the nice people on earth! He took the time for a friendly greeting...I will never forget him!

[@kellyjoe1110]

I met him at the track too. He was VERY KIND! Loved Jim Nabors

[@thomaselsea8092]

Back in the early 60s i was a set painter at DesiLu Studios in Culver city. one of the sets I worked on was the Gomer Pyle USMC, I was the one that painted the Quonset huts that were used as the barracks on the show. A lot of wonderful memories. Thanks for your video I really enjoyed it.

[@snatchblock3778]

thats so cool what else do ya remember painting

[@alexp3752]

Loyalty to one's friends is more important than additional money. Mr. Nabors demonstrated his character true and true. Bravo, sir.

[@jeffyork5766]

My Dad was a big fan of Jim Neighbors and Frank Sutton so we watched both shows faithfully as a family and loved them. I was a child in the 60s and all of our "Rural" shows just made us feel at home. I miss that. Thankfully we have DVDs and KZbin to bring back some of the Home Peacefulness ". Thank you.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories, Jeff!

[@JoannaMuse]

Jim was a dear friend with my Aunt and Cousin for many years. He showed great generosity with them as they were a family of little means.

[@snatchblock3778]

you mean they were tiny un kind people ?

[@butchmccain1771]

Frank Sutton played a great Marine Sargent in Gomer Pyle. He was a Sargent when he served in the U.S. Army receiving a Bronze Star and Purple Heart award!

[@robertbeirne9813]

Butch McCain thank you for pointing out, that Frank Sutton was also, a true hero. 👍

[@allenhamilton6688]

He participated in 11 combat landings in the pacific

[@daveowens9849]

Sargent..didn't he play on Bewitched? The first Darren Stevens? Dick Sargent?

[@pinkrose5796]

@@daveowens9849 Yes. Just Google it:)

[@daveowens9849]

@@pinkrose5796 And the joke was lost.

[@terrallputnam7979]

My dad worked at channel 3 TV in Chattanooga with Jim Nabors. They got along very well and we have a picture of Jim sitting in our kitchen with my older sister on his lap. He was a very kind man and dad always cherished his time working with Jim. Jim got lots of singing in on women's daytime shows. Andy Griffith and Gomer Pyle, USMC were fantastic shows. God bless them.

[@rickkube4608]

I met Jim Neighbors while serving in the army in 1984... in Hawaii.... my friend and I were walking along the shore and wound up by his home along the beach....his bodyguards come and said we couldn't be there.... we apologized and Jim said it was ok, we talked a couple minutes shook hands and left ..... he seemed to be a good person!.... used to watch his shows....now with ME TV can see them still!

[@SpikeNLB]

The beach to the right of Jim's former home was very much public and accessible. In front of his home were tide pools. Unlike Malibu, in Hawaii there are no claims of property line to the water line, that and his home was very much secure, gated and fenced. Also, Jim often walked the beach in the late afternoon, I chatted with him many times and never once did I witness bodyguards with him or at his home, def not Jim's style nor necessary in the 80's.

[@leemontoya8028]

Every time I read or watch something about Jim, He is So Nice!! And I mean it!!! watch him,, his Demeanor and Attitude it's so Gentle, when I watch I can definitely tell he was a Very kind Soul.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said!

[@tomhaire4758]

Once upon a time, I was at a NCO of the month board (Non Commissioned Officer) (USMC), the boards are hosted by several Sargent Majors and a multitude of military questions are asked of the Marine hoping for the award. One of the questioned asked of me was what did I know about the Marine Corps before I joined up, I respectfully told them I really didn't know anything about the Marines prior to my enlistment, one of the Sargent Majors said "You had to know something about the Marines before you joined" my answer was " only what I have seen on Gomer Pyle. The group of them actually laughed, and I did take that board. NCO of the month, 1st Marine Air Wing. Apr. 80, Semper Fi.

[@jdsundstrom]

So cool! Thanks for sharing your memories, Tom!

[@frankcabanski9409]

Did you ever say, "I can't hear you" to the men?

[@cashonly6117]

That is hilarious. That's like some lawyers that actually learned how to be a lawyer from watching Perry Mason. In style of course. Lol

[@mikebrooks8450]

A great example of loyalty and leadership! Watching Gomer Pyle was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my childhood.

[@jessecarliner7733]

If you heard Jim Nabors talk, he sounded like Gomer Pyle, when you heard him sing you would have trouble believing it was the same person.

[@billlawrence1899]

You can say the same thing about Ken Curtis. "Festus" on Gunsmoke. Wonderful singer.

[@Embur12]

Jim almost sounded like Pavarotti...

[@ohboy2592]

Heard him sing at the Indy 500 several times. Very impressive

[@EPA18]

@@Embur12 No, not quite!!!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Bill Lawrence I saw him sing on the show once, he was still using the Festus drawl/voice and it sounded like a cat being molested by an elephant.... I thought something was up when I saw it, the way the other actors were looking at him wasn’t explained fully by the really bad singing, you just cleared that up for me.

[@jackkircher1755]

Abraham Lincoln once said, "A friend is a GIFT you give yourself," and these two were loyal friends for many years. Even in the USMC shoe, Sgt. CARTER became more tolerant and friendly with Gomer.

[@sheilabaker7599]

Those were the days when T.V. was good.....those are the shows I'll still watch ....oldies but goodies....easy on the soul.

[@selewachm]

There are good shows you have to find them. Check out the new "Mattlock" with Kathy Bates.

[@haleiwasteve8434]

I was in the Corps for ten years and as goofy as this show was, these two always made me laugh. RIP Sgt Carter and Gomer Pyle. Semper Fi

[@jamesball7428]

Thank you for your service.

[@ameliadiaz8040]

Thanks a wazillion for all your service.

[@bloodeverywhere9809]

Years ago me and a friend were in a casino at Lake Tahoe Jim Nabors walks by and my friend goes "Goollly". He looked back with a big grin.

[@lisareed5669]

Glad he was gracious.

[@bestprice1776]

Im sure he never heard that one before. Must be tough to be a celebrity and still end up being a nice person.

[@WClark-lp9vc]

He is kind of like Archie Bunker, once they make it as a TV character, it’s hard to shake that persona.

[@didyasaysomethin2me]

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

[@didyasaysomethin2me]

@@WClark-lp9vc Carol O'Connor went on to do many other things, among them movie roles and perhaps most notably his role as Bill Gillespie on In the Heat of the Night, a VERY stark contrast to the bigoted Archie Bunker. So no, I don't think it's fair to say that he was typecast after his stint on either All in the Family or Archie Bunker's Place.

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

when I was a kid, the whole family would watch the Andy Griffith show, and when Jim moved on to Gomer Pyle USMC, we watched that as well. Frank Sutton was a comedic gold mine, and my father ( a Marine vet himself) watched, he would bust a gut. my dad was also a machinist, and worked on parts for several of the cars in the Indy 500, because of that we had green seats most years, and was able to meet Mr Nabors after he sang " Back home again in Indiana" each year to start the race. he was every bit as gentle, and kind as the media image portrayed him to be. he was truly a good human being. anyone who ever met him was better for the experience.

[@petradonovan5161]

Back in the 80's I joined a friend of mine and his parents for a weekend in Reno, Nevada. They had gotten tickets to see the big extravagant spectacular playing at the MGM Reno called Hello Hollywood Hello. Unbeknownst to me, the guest star of the production was Jim Nabors who I had only known as the gormless Gomer Pyle on TV. When he came out and began to sing I nearly fell out of my chair as I had no idea that he possessed such a magnificent voice. He truly was the icing on the cake as the show was simply outstanding. I consider it one of the happiest highlights of my theatre going life.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

Yep...Jim Nabors could list entertainer, bright businessman and loyal friend as his many attributes. Long gone but never forgotten through TV reruns and DVD collections. Thanks Dave for this reminder of a gentle soul. Stay safe

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome and be safe as well, Larry!

[@derrickblackwood9828]

@Cmd Dowd ⁹

[@briantucker7133]

Honorary Hoosier, favorite adopted son of Indiana, no one will ever sing "Back home again in Indiana" at 36 Indy 500's ever again. No true Hoosier can remember Jim without a tear in their eye.

[@sandra-jones]

@Cmd Dowd can I ask what the two (television show & Vietnam War) have to do with each other. Genuine question.

[@susancammerer5350]

@sandra jones "Gomer Pyle, USMC" aired during the years of the Viet Nam war.

[@chadbaxter5578]

All around great guy. Thanks for posting. I like the actors who still stick up for their friends instead of dollar signs. Keep up the great work. Hope you and your family are safe.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said! Be safe as well, Chad!

[@farleyxwilbur655]

I never heard of the "rural purge". I was 24 and in grad school so, even though I had watched many of these shows, I was at a stage in my education where I had little time for TV. Thanks for filling in this bit of history. And thanks for telling us about Jim Nabors loyalty. I always wondered what had happened to these shows even though most went into syndication.

Nice to meet you Dave. I'm an aussie who is not a millennial and watched a few episodes of Gomer Pyle in my day and this man was a true friend and patriot. Thanks for the back story.

[@vforvendetta275]

Unlike our current PM.

[@michaelmckenna6464]

There was a deep friendship between Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton that was obvious. So it was no surprise that Jim Nabors would make sure there would be a place on his musical variety show for Frank Sutton. While Nabors’ characters were naive scatter brains, he was a very smart man who not only knew what he was doing, but stuck to his guns and was loyal to his friends.

[@Art65483]

My dad was a 20 year Marine and loved the goofy, clean comedy provided by Mr. Nabors and Mr.Sutton. Thanks for bringning back some good memories.

[@jeffkroboth5466]

I never realized it was a Purge per se, but I was very disappointed by the cancellation of most of my favorite shows. Jim Nabors loyalty is a tribute to how great of a man he was. Thank you for this video. I would have never known this. Subscribing. :)

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for subscribing, Jeff!

[@michaelgreene7403]

Thank you for relating this touching story about Jim and Frank. These days it is so rare for people to remain loyal and especially when finances are at stake. It says so much about the both of them. Stay safe everyone, and much gratitude to you, Dave.

[@philipearlmcg3964]

I remember when Sutton passed. I lived in a town just forty miles to the east of Shreveport and in those days before cable and ten thousand channels, we only received three channels. Two from Shreveport and one from Shreveport/Texarkana. what a great character actor.

[@BunnySlippers82]

Your channel is a wealth of information about the good old days gone by. I'm 38 but love retro television for its family-friendly stories. Thank you, subbed!!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for subscribing, Becky!

[@troystutsman1400]

I’m 57 and my wife is 53, we both grew up watching all of the Rural shows with our Grandparents... We were both raised by them...! We still love these shows and watch them every day on ME TV...! Have a great day and be blessed.

[@katreed5797]

Loved watching all those shows and was so sad when they all started to fade into the past. We need shows like that again, bringing light-hearted laughter into our lives.

[@chickey333]

Nope... it'll never happen on primetime TV. It just don't fit the progressive socialist's anti-conservative agenda for the brainwashing of the masses.

[@LearningWithSuj]

Nice video! I used to love watching the Andy Griffith show and Gomer Pyle. It was already in reruns by the time i started watching, but I thought it was taking place in the present. I have fond memories of waking up and watching all those shows :)

[@thomasinajones6684]

This world could use that level of loyalty. What a class act.

[@MegaPeedee]

What a great singing voice Nabors' had - and he played Gomer to perfection; however Sutton was the counterbalance to Gomer Pyle that made the show work in my opinion. Hat's off to Nabors for his loyalty to a friend - that says more about the man than his acting and singing ability.

[@jdsundstrom]

Totally agree, MegaPeedee!

[@spvillano]

For Gomer Pyle, I think the epitome of the entire act was when Gomer was ordered to camouflage a tank, then nobody could find it. Well, until Sarge did, running into it - then losing it again.

[@mikeperkins7774]

SURE glad I was alive then. WOW. Great listen and so glad you made me think. Miss THAT fantastic time ❤️ in life. We were the best then.

[@AW-zy1kw]

I got to meet Jim Nabors on the "Today in Georgia" show back around 1975. I was 10 and had won a state fire prevention poster contest. He was about as nice a guy you will find. He was doing a show called "Far Out Space Nuts" on Saturday mornings with Ruth Buzzi. He asked me and the two other kids on the air if I watched the show and I said no. Lol I then tried to save it by saying I watch Gomer Pyle though! I've seen the statue of Frank Sutton / SGT Carter in Clarkesville. My daughter goes to school at Austin Peay there in Clarkesville. Small world.

[@KinksKomments]

I and my wife like to make road trips to places like Clarksville for historical stuff and I was just looking for the Sgt. Carter Statue and it doesn't shop up in street view, is it gone?

[@davidlafleche1142]

No, he did The Lost Saucer. Far Out Space Nuts was Chuck McCann and Bob Denver.

[@pamelamays4186]

I liked how the relationship between Gomer and Sarge evolved over time. Sarge clearly cared about Gomer and looked out for his best interests.

[@RasMajnouni]

Hint hint

[@peach495]

It's ironic most of the shows that fell to the rural purge axe, are the most popular in syndication today.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. There is definitely a bit of irony there for sure!

[@theallseeingmaster]

Good writing, well written wholesome characters.

[@ianschulze1461]

I'm 38, and every time I see The Andy Griffith show, leave it to beaver etc I always watch.

[@markw208]

😄 Good observation & true

[@fredoswego]

All of the cancelled shows were still doing pretty well ratings wise. The wiki entry for the "rural purge" has a wealth of knowledge.

[@johnr7279]

Thumbs up! An awesome, touching, and respectful tribute to both Nabors and Sutton! I knew about the rural purge but only because I learned about it from you! I do remember those shows doing off the air but did not realize it was the "thing" that it turned out to be. Super job!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thank you very much!

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

When I was a kid, I used to watch Gomer Pyle every chance I got, and I think Frank Sutton was a great comedic character as Sergeant Carter! (and I have had training from both Army and Marine Corps drill sergeants). This shows that Jim Nabors was a good man and a good friend to Frank. Nice tribute video Dave.

[@donnicholas7552]

I remember the "rural purge." It was sad. It was fun seeing Jim and Frank together again on "The Jim Nabors Show." I remember watching the show with my Mom. I got the impression that both Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton were really nice people in real life.

[@jdsundstrom]

I think your impressions about Jim and Frank were correct, Don. :)

[@grangergreenback7152]

@@jdsundstrom can you tell me the name of this song that you have playing in the background, I love that song we must be around the same age because all of these show from the past I love them also please reply if you do or don't know about the song

[@paulm9706]

I remember watching that show as a kid. It was a good show, along with the other RURAL shows

[@robertmartyr5464]

*But in the END of it ALL, You ARE TRUMP SCUMMERS, ain't You!!!?*

[@Mister_Pedantic]

@Wayne Butler You could watch all those movies made during the days of the Hollywood Production Code. Those were the good times: no gay people, no single mothers, no dark-skinned people getting above their station, no corrupt cops, no criminals getting away with it, no double beds. Yes, the good old days, movies showing the idle rich drunk in formal wear, gives us all something to aspire to, eh?

[@hectorsmommy1717]

Jim Nabors was a natural for the musical variety show format. He was on Carol Burnett's first ever show and she considered him her lucky charm. He appeared on every season premiere of her show throughout its run. They remained great friends and even had homes on adjoining properties in Hawaii. Two great entertainers who were also good people.

[@AFmedic]

While working for Skywest Airlines at KTWF (Twin Falls, Idaho) in the early 90's Jim Nabors was flying back to his home after performing at Black Jack, Nevada. He sat and talked with me for about 20 min. He was talking with other people just like a regular person. ABSOLUTELY NO EGO like a lot of other stars. Nicest person you'd ever want to meet. R.I.P. Jim.

[@chella3776]

Thank-You ! We all have vices, but BOTH Men, were, good & kind !

[@themacocko6311]

I'm vice free.

[@Emophiliac2]

I remember Gomer Pyle, but have no recollection of the Jim Nabor Hour. Not sure if it was up against some other show at the time. Being a kid then, I wouldn't get to choose what was watched. My family did run into Jim Nabor, sitting behind him at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake one Sunday in the late 70s. I don't believe he sang, but was just acknowledge as being there.

[@GoogleModerator]

Thanks for your content Dave - first time on your channel. I found you to be humble, honest, informative, and just great to listen to. Subscribed-for-sure.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks and welcome, GoogleModerator!

[@Arturius8]

I remember this show from when I was a kid. Nice video.

[@gemorris13]

What a show that was! I'm glad I am old enough to remember it! I'm sharing this to see how many people I know never heard of it

[@kevinintheusa8984]

I had read this in an article somewhere and I was impressed that Jim was so loyal but it doesn't surprise me since he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I didn't really get to see the follow on show since musical theater was not my Dad's thing. I can say we still catch Gomer Pile on reruns when we catch it.

[@juancarlosvaldes4538]

I REALLY REALLY missed this show and all the other innocent shows from back when I was a child/young teen. They were the greatest and made me the way I am today, a down to earth, simple, and well mannered person. Although I never met Jim Nabors, I could tell right away that he was a humble, pleasant, and gracious individual to all those who met him. I want to thank him and Sgt Frank Sutton for all of their great performances on Gomer Pyle, USMC and Mr. Sutton for his great service to our nation! Bless you both!.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said!

[@nuttyprofessor3781]

At this time of year - CHRISTMAS - I remember as a kid listening the the Jim Nabors Christmas Album. Every year we would listen to that record! Wonderful childhood memories....

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories, NP!

[@wolfbear7]

Good men, both of them. People are still shocked that Nabors was gay, but being gay does not tell you but one aspect of who a person is. Jim Nabors had good values and was a decent human being just like Sutton. RIP, both of you. You gave us some old fashioned joy watching you, and shock listening to Jim's incredible voice.

[@BigD-jc6rj]

The fact that people were shocked is a strong indication that most gay people, aside from their sexual orientation, are just like the rest of us, pretty normal. That was ultimately what led to the mainstream acceptance of the LGBT movement. As Americans, we were fed so much stigma for so many years, but that stigma slowly evaporated as more and more people came out. Ellen Degeneres received death threats. Years later, Lance Bass of NSYNC came out and we were all like “Yeah, And?”

[@schmuck281]

@@BigD-jc6rj Until right now (I'm 70 years old) I had no idea Jim was gay. One of those things that someone probably told me but I forgot because it just doesn't matter

[@JeffCKeane]

Dave, thanks so much for the heads up on what happened to Frank. His portrayal of Sgt.Carter is exactly the "straight up" setup that Jim needed to "be" Gomer in the U.S.M.C. If it were anyone ELSE, I truly doubt Jim's performances would be quite as powerful funny!! Frank will always be loved and remembered for his "straight-laced" efforts in that show, he CO-STARRED in!! 😎🤣💖

[@MrButch-ls8vl]

Jim Nabors was a truly great guy!

[@BaconNBeer]

I saw Jim Nabors at Knotts Berry Farm in S. California it was a great experience. Jim could really hold a crowd in his hand.

[@marctempler3250]

Very impressive program - two good men from a time when concept such as loyalty not only existed but actually mattered.

[@ralphmarkasher]

I'm a 50s and 60s guy and watched all those shows you talked about. Like many things executives are not always right, that is why we no longer have Pontiacs or Mercurys in our garages.

[@kazgak]

Gomer Pyle make seem a bit goofy now but we all loved Gomer's exploits as kids. It's odd I never seemed to catch the purge for what it was at the time, but TV wasn't the 24 hour multi-channel wasteland it is now. TV was something we watched for a couple hours at night after a hard day playing outside, and Gomer Pyle one of the shows I remember fondly.

[@telemachusepiphany9668]

Top , maybe you’re too young to remember Sunday nights coming in to watch Bonanza

[@yaimavol]

That's true but you can still click through and land on an old AG episode, and you'll watch the whole thing, even if you've seen it a hundred times.

[@jamespennington9719]

Damn straight!

[@KenJackson_US]

I didn't notice it either. I guess that was the reason TV became less filling. I probably thought it was just that I was growing up.

[@todd3205]

There are a pile of shows that, while some seem lame now, they were great back in the mid sixties. The truth is, many of the TV stars back then had been around since Vaudeville. Watch some Green Acres and pretend not to laugh, if you can.

[@antoniadiaz7609]

It's you , I have to thank for this video ! Wonderful memories of these two talented actors !! All those shows you mentioned, were so funny and I watched all of them. I think of those times when people displayed a Moral Compass, Living life in more decent times. Barney Fiats, Granny, Jethro and many more, all missed dearly. Love from Los Angeles, Antonia

[@TheDCinSC]

Sutton was also a combat veteran of WWII and entitled to the Bronze Star and Purple Heart that his character wore.

[@joantvedt7878]

I waited on Frank in the early 70's in Carmel. He ordered Cabernet Sav. with his Sgt. Carter accent. he was a kind person

[@dsillsevans]

Never knew this story! My Grandmother loved Gomer Pyle! I loved watching it with her, just to watch her laugh. Thanks for jogging those memories, Dave.

[@jdsundstrom]

Glad you enjoyed it, dsillevans!

[@Jims.Photos]

Frank Sutton and Jim Nabors complimented each other very well. Sutton was the perfect Sargent Carter. You couldn't find a better person to play the part of Sargent Carter so well! My favorite episode was from season 4 in 1967 when Jim sang "Impossible Dream" dressed in Marines dress blues! I very powerful performance for sure. Gomer Pyle USMC was a great escape from reality during the height of the Vietnam war. The show gave the Marine Corps a positive image too. So much so that the Marines supplied most of the items and much support for the show. This helped make it somewhat authentic. My shout out and thank you to Frank Sutton and Jim Nabors and the rest of the cast for doing what they did for all of us. You will not be forgotten.

[@stevebrown3955]

I never knew Hal Sutton died that young. He was hilarious as Sgt. Carter. Thanks Dave and glad to subscribe.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for subscribing, Steven!

[@shoppe99]

If you were wondering what Jim did after Hollywood, he opened a restaurant on Oahu Hi. by Waikiki beach. There he sang most nights as a Vegas type show. Don Ho did the same thing next door. I used to work in Jim and Don's restaurants as a photographer. Jim had an amazing voice.

[@docadams7099]

Ronnie Schell was also in the Jim Nabors Variety Hour. Andy Griffith popped up in a few shows too.

[@blxtothis]

Got to say here in the UK, (I was born half way through the 20th Century) I have never heard of this character and as a kid I mixed with the families of American Naval Officers, billeted in Wimbledon London so was more involved in US culture than all of my peers, music, TV, Movies and comic books.

[@johnnyrocco]

I can still remember the American of those days. Now I watch ME tv so that I can see how great we were those many years ago. Nothing was wrong with rural American back then. Yes it was true at times we were slow to pick it all up, but our words were our bonds and we didn't break them for anyone. Today's world could sure use some "rural" standards today.

[@tommiewarrenusry25]

Johnny Rocco Hallulah and Amen!

[@robertcartier5088]

You are judging rural america by what was shown of it on your B&W TV, but that was never reality the whole truth. The racial prejudice, closed-minded religious dogma, and general ignorance about anything outside your own borders was always there... It just became more discernible when censorship rules were relaxed, and the real ugliness was exposed for all to see. I'm sure it's a sad thing to realize, but your nostalgia for how great america used to be is just a boob-tube illusion. What you actually long for is the innocence of not knowing any better. Sorry.

[@freeguy77]

@@robertcartier5088 You are partially wrong. Outside of the 11 Southern States, there was some racial prejudice, but the awful forced segregation LAWS (from the State governments, not from the people themselves) were the problem in those 11 States. But times change, and things started getting better in race relations, while other things (Vietnam War) overwhelmed the race relation problem for almost a decade! That is why the 1954-63 time was the very best time for the vast majority of the people who fondly remember that time. Between the wars (Korea '53, and Vietnam starting on Mar. 8, '65 when army regulars and Marines landed in S. Vietnam), were the best decade America had, and may ever have. The money was honest, 90% silver in the coins, and a 'dollar' defined in law as has been since 1792, redeemable in gold from the Treasury; in stark contrast to today with junk zinc and copper coins, and no limit on how many 'dollars' a private banking cartel (The Fed) can create from nothing after Aug. 15, 1971. Government caused the depreciation of the "money", resulting in monstrous price increases, forcing mothers to go to work to make-up for the inflation tax, and other huge tax increases forced by rapacious government at all levels. "Leave It To Beaver" was a real slice of American life in those halcyon years, 1957-63. After 1964, things got worse with LBJ and his for-profit war to benefit only him, and his Pentagon/CIA war armament buddies to try out their new war "toys" on far-away, poor, and brown people who never harmed the U.S. or threatened the U.S. in any way.

[@robertcartier5088]

​@@freeguy77 Lots to unpack, there... You wrote, _"Outside of the 11 Southern States, there was some racial prejudice, but the awful forced segregation LAWS (from the State governments, not from the people themselves) were the problem in those 11 States."_ In there, you seem to be blaming state governments, but absolving the people of their own part in that. You do know how a democracy works, right? Who do you think is responsible for putting those governments in charge?! Sorry, but I don't buy it! -- The People are completely responsible for who they elected! Turn on your TV, and see for yourself what 'not thinking before you vote' can lead to! Blaming everybody except the voters for that nightmare is as intellectually dishonest as it gets! You also wrote, _"After 1964, things got worse with LBJ and his for-profit war to benefit only him, and his Pentagon/CIA war armament buddies to try out their new war "toys" on far-away, poor, and brown people who never harmed the U.S. or threatened the U.S. in any way."_ It was a whole lot more complicated than that little conspiracy theory of yours would lead us to believe. Particularly the inane statement that they never did anything to the US in any way! Funny stuff! Have you never heard of mutual defence agreements? How about just defending a free nation from a dictatorship trying to overturn it? They don't need to bomb Washington for us to commit to defending others, and our interests abroad. It was something the nation was committed to... The promise to defend Freedom everywhere. But let me just take a second more to remind you that, despite all the war toys, the USA still lost that conflict! Again, I reiterate that the golden decade that you long for was a TV illusion. Nobody was ever really like the Cleavers, and hoping for the return of an era that never really happened is a form of socially acceptable delusion, much like religion itself. So, go ahead and bow to your made-up nostalgia if you wish... But don't be counting on me to join you, I'll be busy that day. ;-]

[@BillMorganChannel]

@@robertcartier5088 I would say you are a "glass half-full "kinda guy. Why the hate. Do you know 400,000 american men died to free other people? Stop the hate, and celebrate...stop the hate and educate...USA is not perfect but the world is a better place due to the USA! And please ask me if I believe in God.

[@01nmuskier]

This was a great tribute. Thank you for sharing it.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're very welcome!

[@kenlucas7025]

I'm a 61 year old black male and nearly every black person I know NEVER saw one black person on Petticoat, Beverly Hillbillies, Gomer Pyle nor my favorite show Green Acres. Nevertheless these shows were hil-freakinf-larious! My point is funny is funny and these shows were funny! Frank and Jim: You two brought a lot of joy and laughter to multiple millions the world over. You both did what you were put on earth to do. REST IN PEACE!!

[@snatchblock3778]

im a 30 year old Puerto rican jew and i concur

[@amaitilasso]

@John Drohan Did you misread Ken Lucas' comment? There was nothing racist in it. In fact it appeared to be the exact opposite. Even though there were no black actors on those shows (to attract a young black viewer) he still found them funny just like in the 70's being a young white viewer I still found Redd Foxx funny. I think he was saying good comedy isn't a black or white thing and people should enjoy it for what it is without bringing race into it.

[@stephenannese8228]

I remember watching "Julia" with Diane Carroll,..i was a fan because her tv son on it was about my age,...all those "laugh-track" shows had to end, and we got those great classics from 1971-on....finally=with racial-equality/diversity/etc..!

[@kenlucas7025]

@@amaitilasso THANK YOU! My statement must've been misread to any sane and objective-minded person. Like Larry The Cable Guy said "That's funny I don't care who you are".

[@beatlesrgear]

@@amaitilasso Redd Foxx was a MASTER when it came to comedy. He was so funny that I look for his shows on TV to see him again. :)

[@JustPeaceLoveAndKindness]

Great memories of watching Gomer Pyle as a teen. Wholesome entertainment. Miss them both..Jim and Frank. Thanks for walk down memory lane.

[@damonryan774]

That was great Dave. Stay well brother.

[@jdsundstrom]

Be safe as well, Damon!

[@damonryan774]

Dave Sundstrom Thank you Dave.

[@jorgemontero1245]

I didn't know that Jim was such a good friend. I knew that he was a good guy. Having watched Jim. Not many people are that Lucky to have such a good friend. Love ya Jim.

[@brendaokuda2158]

My mother was present at the "Barn" the night Frank Sutton died. I still remember her coming home in tears.

[@marcm9999]

Great job. Thanks Dave. You’ve got me serial watching Petticoat Junction from season 1 episode 1!!! You continue to amaze!

[@jdsundstrom]

Great show!

[@ElwoodPDowd-nz2si]

(Edit: No negativity intended if it comes across that way) I am actually surprised not to find Werner Klemperer on your channel. He was a very interesting and deeply talented man. That being said, I appreciate your coverage of Frank and Jim's friendship. Good work as usual.

[@magusxxx]

One of those odd insights about Hogan's Heroes: Werner Klemperer and John Banner are both Jewish.

[@maggiemae7749]

@@magusxxx they all are

[@jdsundstrom]

One of these days I'm going to do a bunch of videos about Hogan's Heroes. I have plans...now, I just need to act upon them. :)

[@ElwoodPDowd-nz2si]

@@magusxxx There are enough interesting things about Hogan's Heroes and its cast to write a book.

[@pbb3513]

Jim used his ability to sing in one of the later episodes of Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C singing. Please watch him singing. Beautiful voice.

[@jamespennington9719]

Loyalty is a quality one never should give up! Nice to know Old Jimmy held onto his! The Band "Heart" had to cross the same bridge and held onto theirs as well!

[@georgemcmillan9172]

As a kid, I loved Gomer Pyle, the Hillbillies, Green Acres, and most of the other "Rural" shows...

[@SocialistDistancing]

Ya, I always wondered why all of those series just seemed to drop off all at the same time. It never occurred to me that there was a purge.

[@robertspencer703]

@@SocialistDistancing n Because they want to have apartment sitcoms

[@SocialistDistancing]

@@robertspencer703 yes indeed. Less sets to build.

[@robertspencer703]

@@SocialistDistancing it be nice if they made shows like this again

[@Peacefrog35]

Oh no..he was always one of the funniest on the show. Seemed like a nice guy too.

[@paulstecker5693]

😢😮😅 I like Frank Sutton with Jim nabors in gomeapaio USMC. I like it when Frank Sutton used to say I can't hear you and he say pile you lame brain knucklehead you. What's the matter with you? That was a good show for 5 years. I used to enjoy watching that too. Thank you for sharing your video and your commentary on what happened to Jim neighbors and Frank Sutton at the end of goma Pyle thank you.

[@paulstecker5693]

😀❤️🙏👈 thank you Dave, for responding back and like what I said about Frank Sutton used to say to Jim nabors gomer Pyle. That was a good series. Too bad it ended after a couple of years to me. Frank Sutton passed away at an early age 51. Too bad. May he rest in peace. He was a good actor like Jim nabors was. Thank you. Good luck to you. Look like you're a radio talk show host or something thank you.

[@117rebel]

My jaw dropped when you said “Shreveport, Louisiana”! That’s where I’m from and never knew he died here!

[@jdsundstrom]

Hello Shreveport!

[@doddgarger6806]

Wow, I have family there myself, I grew up in West Monroe

[@marygraham3189]

Great to hear from you again. Haven't seen you posting as much. Frank Sutton I thought he was fabulous ❣️

[@jdsundstrom]

More to come, Mary!

[@jayrowe6473]

The "rural purge" is when television started to go downhill fast.

[@stugrant01]

When you think about it, ONLY those people who idolize Kim Kardashian are the ones who fund broadcast TV (through their purchases of overpriced Nike sneakers and cosmetics). The 70% of the rest of us are just freeloader who watch TV that is payed for by others. You cannot expect "Downton Abbey" or "Pride and Prejudice" to arise in a system that is funded by trashy ignoramouses that idolize Paris Hilton.

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Yup that's when tv and advertising transitioned from providing what the public wanted to telling them what to.

[@Crusader1815]

When communist Yous axed all the decent white people and replaced them with Archie Bunker, Maude, and George Jefferson.

[@stugrant01]

@@cardinaloflannagancr8929 The public wanted cigarettes and booze and the media provided light entertainment for people to relax to. And when they forbade those things, the commercials then only advertised what they decided was "good for us", and the tv shows were produced to match that new criteria, what the new product buyers liked. Cigarette smokers still watched, but no longer funded the new shows via purchases.

[@stephenannese8228]

But....it helped launch classics like "All in the Family"....""Maude",...."Good Times",..!

[@ScottyM1959]

I remember and loved all of those shows. I am truly impressed by Jim Neighbors' loyalty it was a rare commodity then and even more so today. I never knew about the Clarksville connection and I was stationed near by when I served in the army. God bless them both.

[@marcusbetancourt3760]

Carter and Pyle were and will always be Numero Uno even after all these years. Truly a winning combination if I ever saw one. God bless them both.

[@nicolesaylor4027]

I am glad I found your channel. I am only 35 but I really don't like a lot of the shoes on primetime tv. We don't have cable but we don't need too! I love shows like "Father Knows Best", "Hazel" "Mr. Ed" and "Leave It To Beaver". Really any of the older shows that were in Black and White and depending on the show went to color! I love the wholesome way the fathers went to work and the mothers made the home, cooked dinner, and was looking pretty waiting at the door for their husband. I know life in those times weren't prefect for everyone and that there was men's worj and women's work. But those same pretty ladies were also Mama Bears and even stood up to their husbands if they needed to! There is to much hate and violence in life and on the TV now. Thank you for the work you do for your channel 💙

[@jdsundstrom]

You are welcome, Nicole. I am glad that you found my channel as well!

[@kevinoglesby8001]

They don't make shows like that anymore, it had no sex, no cursing, and it was funnier than any show currently out.

[@beatlesrgear]

YES! So true, Kevin. You're right x 10!

[@milascave2]

Kevin: Not very authentic to life in The Marines, though.

[@dougritzema4778]

@@milascave2 It's a sitcom, what would you expect? I'm sure life in a Nazi prison camp was nothing like "Hogan's Heroes" either!

[@robertcartier5088]

@@dougritzema4778 Good point! As tragic as the setting was, that show was also very, very funny!

[@1voicenwilderness]

Same with SNL. The actors had so much talent they didn’t need to be political to gain popularity. A bunch o no talent bums today.

[@samfrito]

Brother, what a great topic. Frank Sutton and Jim Nabors were amazing on Gomer Pyle. I was not aware how great their friendship was. Both were extraordinary talented men and always entertaining. Sad that CBS would want to shake things up and leave rural America alone.

[@teresahardy4928]

Sad that they can dictate what we watch. Those shows still carry clout in rerun heaven to this day. Don't know much- do they? Love your videos. Take care in these uncertain days.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Teresa! Be safe and stay healthy as well. :)

[@steveswangler6373]

Teresa Hardy NOBODY DICTATES WHAT YOU WATCH BUT YOU. just like the religious clowns that spout "keep christ in christmas" every year, nobody controls your tv but you. the networks only control what they air, along with their advertisers. if you dont like what they air, turn the channel or even better, turn off your idiot box. just like nobody can take christ out of your christmas but you, no one controls what you watch. that's a cop out

[@bethsheeba1198]

I loved the Gomer Pyle show. Jim Nabors and Frank Sutton were hilarious. It was very popular here in Australia.

[@gremlin181]

Gomer Pyle USMC was one of the shows that never came to the UK and I had little idea who Jim Nabors was, a friend from across the pond introduced me to the show. Now think I have seen them all several times. He was a Marine too so probably met a few like Gomer and Sarge

[@thinkforyourself2109]

I find your channel entertaining and relaxing. Thanks for the hard work you put into it!

[@jdsundstrom]

You're most welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it!

[@AmericanActionReport]

Frank Sutton was a sergeant in real life. During World War 2, he was rejected as medically unfit for the Marine Corps, so he joined the Army. Sergeant Sutton participated in fourteen assault landings in the Pacific and earned both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

[@marilynwagers786]

I LOVED THEM BOTH FRANK SUTTON AND JIM NABORS

[@MrJameslascko]

@Jeff Holland Uhhhh... no! No he wasn't.

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

Jerry Mills a true hero

[@AmericanActionReport]

@Jeff Holland and MrJameslascko, Fred Rogers registered for the draft when he was 20 years old in 1948. The Green Beret didn't exist until 1952, and the Navy SEALs didn't exist until 1962. There have been many urban legends about Fred Rogers. If you check his bio, you'll find that every year was accounted for. He wasn't a Green Beret, a Navy SEAL, an army sniper, or a convicted child molester; and he probably wasn't an undercover CIA agent. During some of the years that he supposedly did these things, he was in college and becoming an ordained minister. The true story of Mr. Rogers is far more interesting than the urban legends. (P.S. ...and none of this has anything to do with Donald Trump.)

[@itzkathymc]

@Jeff Holland hahahahaha, don't believe ALL stories. He NEVER was in the military. His family has said as much.

[@samsanderson224]

New subscriber......I’m the one that’s honored. This is great stuff. Thanks, Dave!❤️

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for subbing, Sandi!

[@ironeagle2526]

Rip to both of them they were a awesome one two punch they went together like peanut butter and jelly

[@jimc.6127]

Thank's for sharing about Jim Neighbors and Sarge. Such good memories from my youth. 'No Tme For Sargents' from that era is my all time favorite.

[@LaptopLarry330]

I remember watching "The Jim Nabors Hour" as a young child. It was funny and entertaining, much like "The Carol Burnett Show" was at the time. From 1969 to 1971, there were a number of "Variety" shows on CBS: "The Jim Nabors Hour", The Jackie Gleason Show", The Ed Sullivan Show", and "The Carol Burnett Show". The costs of the Vietnam War, along with the higher taxes to pay for Medicare and Medicaid, caused the nation to go into a mild depression. All of the US television networks were trying to cut costs, and by the end of the 1971 TV season, only "The Carol Burnett Show" remained on the air at CBS.

[@AdventuresofmalibuandDad]

Great video. I grew up on these programs. I still watch them now. I am going to be one of your new subscribers that’s to this awesome video. Keep up the good work. 👍👍❤️

[@jdsundstrom]

Welcome aboard, Donald! Thanks for subscribing.

[@onefodderunit]

The Rural Purge was actually the turn from American goodness.

[@kdjo2074]

Jim a incredible talent and life in two separate fields....such a great singer by itself!! Then add the genuine and loyal human side you may be equal to an angel Jim!!