James Drug Store recognized - Legacy Business Award 2025

By the Livingston Parish Chamber 

JAMES DRUG STORE
DENHAM SPRINGS, LA
Legacy Business of the Year Recognized by the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce
 


James Drug Store has been serving the greater Livingston Parish area for over 90 years – specifically since March of  1932. 
Founded by DP “Doc” James and then Mayor of DS, Gay Cooper, in March of 1932

The country was in the Great Depression.  Back then, the store was used by local merchants to donate items to local residents.  Post depression, the local Greyhound Bus Station was located at this store.  Military personnel would head off from here to fight for the country. 

In 1971, Herman Crotwell purchased the pharmacy and James Drug Store would become one of the largest pharmacies in the state. 
Location changed as the needs of the community grew.

In 1988, the pharmacy relocated to 205 Florida Avenue after buying Griffon’s Drug Store.  The new location had a long-standing soda fountain.  It served as a place to meet, gather and talk about the news of the day.  The store operated in that location for fourteen years.  James Drug Store has operated in our current location at 257 Florida Avenue since 2002.  This March we celebrate our 94^th Anniversary. 

Through all the years, technology would continue to develop and change.  James Drug Store was one of the first pharmacies in the state to have a computer.  Today, the pharmacy continues to lead the area in technologies with RX Safe, robots and Scrip Clip.  

The pharmacy is still locally owned and operated by Herman Crotwell’s wife and sons – all Livingston Parish residents.   
Today they have 25 employees – most with tenure in the decades - serving 7000 customers monthly. 
An incredible story of resilience, and a love of serving their community, - please help me welcome to the stage to accept the award – James Drug Store…

 
OUR COMMUNITY ROLE 
Our professional role continues to be providing area residents with local healthcare that is timely, accessible, safe, high quality in an atmosphere of professionalism, respect and effective communication.  
We are committed to being an integral member of the healthcare team.  Fostering educational environment designed to advance knowledge among our staff, patients and peers.  
 The current location on Florida Avenue is a state of the art pharmacy, offering compounding and wellness for one of the fastest growing parishes in the State of Louisiana.   
   
 
215 Range Avenue, Denham Springs LA