Two years ago, my former store director, whom I had worked with for 9 years, retired after 47 years in the grocery business. We threw him a huge party, and in honor of his retirement, I wrote some fitting (humorous) lyrics to the song “Thanks for the Memory”…….with lots of little inside jokes and insight into this amazing BUSY man!
Thanks for the memories……there won’t be any tears
after 47 years…..of sacking groceries
day and night a never-ending sight…..
How lovely….. it was?
Thanks for the memories…..that polyester red
blazer now is dead…. he’s cutting up his ties and
wearing polo shirts instead
How lovely it is….
Who started out as a bag boy,
soon worked his way up through the ranks,
with honesty and integrity
and for that, we say THANKS!
Thanks for the memories….. for giving us a chance
inspiring us to dance,
to spread our wings and learn new things
to make you proud of us……
We thank you so much!
Thanks to our Mr. C. ……. for talking way too fast!
and walking way too fast!
we nodded when you said something
then wondered what you said!
How funny it was!!!
Thanks for the memories ……there won’t be any tears
after 47 years ….. of sacking groceries
day and night and now the end’s in sight…..
Deserve it? … darn right!
We know you’re ready to sleep late
and drink coffee out of a real cup
but we’re going to miss you complaining
“it’s cold in here, turn the heat up“!
So, thanks for the memories,
And strictly between us, we’re going to make a fuss…
And show you that we’re glad your dreams are finally coming true…..
Awfully glad we met you, you’re our partner through and through…..
So, thank you so much!
Jimmy Caldwell began his grocery career in 1958 at the age of 15 in Weatherford, Texas. After high school and starting college, at the age of 19, he was an assistant manager with the responsibility of carrying store keys. In 1963, Jimmy was hired at Brookshire’s #9, while he was visiting family there, and 3 months later went to Terrell #20 and worked his way up to assistant and stayed 5 years.
In 1968, Jimmy was named store director for Gladewater #7, he was the youngest store director for Brookshire’s at that time, and he stayed in Gladewater for 19 years!
In 1986, Jimmy was re-challenged as store director in Bossier City, LA. then 3 years later went to Shreveport where he served for 13 years.
In 2001, Jimmy moved back to Texas to serve as store director at the new #69 in Midlothian, where he led the store for 9 years; serving the community, setting the example of honesty and integrity, while maintaining his “old school” roots and training. Mr. C. retired in September 2010, but still had 16 of the original partners hired for the new store in 2001. Quite a feat these days.
Mr. Caldwell is enjoying his retirement, playing lots of golf and working with his sons in a new business venture. Each time he comes into the store, he has the biggest smile on his face and makes sure to visit with his former partners. We miss him, but are very happy that he is reaping the rewards of his many years of service.

Thank you Mr. Caldwell, for taking a chance on me, also, giving me the opportunity to learn with the challenge of training, and then taking over as office manager. You always said you and I were “old school” and I reminded you that YOUR old school was still ten years older than mine, but I was happy to be considered a valued partner. Thanks for your leadership, and more importantly, your actions and dedication to your customers.
PS…..I still keep the thermostat set on 70 degrees and it’s still cold in your former office 🙂