James Kangafwa Shaba

Professor James Kangafwa Shaba, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Elisa Shaba, devoted father to Stella F. Shaba, the late Dr. Hamish M.E. Shaba, and Anale L. Shaba, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2023 in Chicago IL.

Professor Shaba was born on April 5, 1935 in Sumbawanga, Rukwa in the country of Tanzania to the late Mzee Edward Fusi Shaba and the late Mama Lucy Soko. He was the youngest of six children. During his early years, he lived with his brother John and his family, and John, a senior lab technician at the Central Pathology Lab at Ocean Road Hospital, would occasionally allow a curious, young Professor Shaba to take a peek into the microscope. As a child, those experiences with the microscope fascinated him. As a result, despite having aspirations to pursue a career in the church, Professor Shaba chose to pursue a career in medicine due to his early experiences in the lab with his brother.

He completed his secondary education at Tabora Boys High School in Tabora, Tanzania, under the tutelage of “Mama” Mary Hancock, Member of Parliament, his surrogate mother. Thereafter, he went on to Makerere University Medical School in Kampala, Uganda. In 1962, Professor Shaba graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBCh.B).

While employed at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, Professor Shaba met the love of his life, Elizabeth Elisa Mrema. They got married on April 27, 1963 and remained married until her death in 2018. He was deeply devoted to his wife and served as her caregiver in the final years of her life.

In 1965, Professor Shaba went on to pursue his Ph.D in Forensic Pathology at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom. By 1969, he was registered as a medical practitioner with the Central Pathology Laboratory in Tanzania. In 1970, Professor Shaba was admitted as a member of The Royal College of Pathologists of London, England. Following the completion of his Ph.D, Professor Shaba continued his career as a senior pathologist and lecturer at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary before returning to Tanzania.

In Tanzania, Professor Shaba’s career included appointments at the Ministry of Health, the University of Dar-es-Salaam, and the Muhimbili Medical Centre. He also served as a visiting professor at the University of Helsinki Medical School in Finland. He retired as a full-time professor from the University of Dar-es-Salaam, and the Muhimbili Medical Centre Pathology Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy in the mid 1990’s and continued working part-time for several years in the private sector.

In the early 2000’s, Professor Shaba and his wife Elizabeth relocated to Chicago, IL, USA, to be closer to their children. Retirement in Chicago marked the beginning of a new chapter for Professor Shaba. His days typically began with a walk to the neighborhood 7-Eleven store to get his Chicago Tribune newspaper (and a requisite snack!), regardless of the weather. As a lifelong learner, he enrolled at Harry S Truman College as a student, taking classes in piano, keyboarding, and computers, among others. In his leisure time, Professor Shaba managed to fit in swimming lessons at the local park district. Above all, he cherished attending Sunday services at St James Episcopal Cathedral in Chicago, particularly enjoying the St. James Cathedral Choir and their organ.

He is survived by daughters Stella F. Shaba and Anale L. Shaba of Chicago IL., sister in-laws Ruth Elisa Mrema, Ana Elisa Mrema of Moshi, Tanzania, and Ireen Shaba (nee Tembo) of Mzimba, Malawi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth Elisa Shaba (nee Mrema), son Dr. Hamish M.E. Shaba, sister Kettie Hlolodile Theu (nee Shaba), and brothers Alfred, John, Austin, and Herbert Shaba.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shaba Family Support Fund via Anale Shaba, Zelle: 847-525-9224/CashApp:$AnaleShaba or Stella Shaba, Zelle: 505-410-7289.

After the funeral expenses, in honor of Professor James Kangafwa Shaba, any contributions remaining will be donated to the Cook County Health Foundation (https://cchealthfoundation.org/).

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 12 - 1 pm at St. James Cathedral, 65 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611. A funeral service will follow at 1 pm at the Church. Interment is private. For those of you who cannot attend the service in person it will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWg5X7jzGTk

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