Tom Shields
Beloved husband, father, coach, teacher, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025
We lost one of our greats with the passing of Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Tom Shields. A book could be written on the success that Tom had in basketball in Illinois. However, more importantly, was the impact that Tom had on his players, coaching staff, and coaching peers. Coach Shields will be missed, but his legacy will live on forever in the IBCA Hall of Fame, which is the cathedral to the Basketball Museum of Illinois.
To celebrate Tom’s life, a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM:
St. Eugene Catholic Church
7958 W. Foster Ave, Chicago
We warmly invite family and friends in the Chicago area to join us in honoring his memory. For those unable to attend, your kind thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, Tom would have preferred a memorial donation to support a cause close to his heart: the Basketball Museum of Illinois. Contributions will help preserve the legacy of the sport he loved.
Sincerely yours.
Bruce Firchau
IBCA HOF & Museum Chairman
Tom Shields Memorial Donation
Tom Shields
Year Inducted: 2010
Category: Coaches
Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) Hales Franciscan High School
(Chicago) St. Mel High School
Elmwood Park High School
Pekin High School
Biography: In 30 seasons of Illinois basketball coaching at eight different schools, Tom’s teams had a record of 609-236. He guided teams to the IHSA state finals 5 times, winning the 1985 Class A State Championship for (Chicago) St. Mel High School. Tom also coached St. Mel to a 3rd place finish in 1984 and (Chicago) Hales Franciscan to a 3rd place in 1993. His teams won 7 IHSA Regional crowns, 4 IHSA Sectional titles earning him IBCA district coach of the year honors on 10 occasions.