Nine Decades Of Friendship: Alton Friends Born Same Day Near 90th Birthday

ALTON - James “Jimmy” Griggs Sr. and Frank “Thurman” Anderson Sr., lifelong friends who were born on the same day in 1936, will be honored at a birthday celebration July 5 at Gordon Moore Park’s Munsterman Building as they prepare to turn 90 on July 9, 2026.

The gathering, scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026, will celebrate what organizers describe as 90 years of life, legacy and friendship. Griggs and Anderson grew up together in the Alton school system and have remained friends for nine decades.

The celebration also recognizes the men’s careers and personal milestones.

Griggs was among the first African American foremen at Olin Corporation in East Alton and at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis during the late 1960s to early 1970s.

Anderson was an original co-owner of Frank’s Lounge and CTW’s Lounge, formerly 10th St., and is a retiree of Helmkamp Construction, Local Union 525. He also has been married to his wife, Mary, for more than 60 years.

Friends and family are expected to attend the event marking the shared milestone of two men whose lives have remained closely linked since childhood.

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