Jim Neighbors RIP
 James Thurston Nabors June 12, 1930 – November 30, 2017 American actor, comedian, and singer |
Both programs featured a character named Gomer Pyle portrayed by Jim Neighbors. My attraction to the programs began with the 'down home' easy going humor and it was something I could (and did) watch. I suppose the child in me drove that habit to watch the two programs.
The character Gomer Pyle was a country man involved in various aspects of those activities which comprise daily living. In the Andy Griffith franchise he was a mechanic and in the spin off he was a PFC in the Marine Corps.
Each iteration was that same enthusiastic good natured fellow regardless of the backdrop and he held my interest until I became older and "thought" I was too sophisticated for such viewing.
Later, I heard Jim Neighbors sing in his baritone and was amazed at that new facet of his entertainment to which I was introduced. Though I never really became a big fan of the musical Jim Neighbors I would indeed engage a few numbers on the teevee as they presented themselves over the years. I was sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Neighbors day before yesterday. The fact that the announcement came from his "husband" was not surprising ... but I recall having second thoughts when I first knew he was gay — having heard ancedotal evidence years prior to that time.
All-in-all we have to accept people as they are and I feel that my world in particular was better for having Jim Neighbors as a part of it. So gay or not I'm sorry his run is over and I wish his family and friends peace in their time of grief.