Melinda Joy Jacobs

Townsend, TN

Melinda Joy (Howes) Jacobs, born August 8, 1958 in Ashland KY passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018. A lover of horses and animals, Melinda has resided in Townsend since 2012. She Graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College (Nashville TN) and University of Alabama Law School (Tuscaloosa AL, 1984). Melinda has devoted her career to the field of special education and disability law, working in government, private publishing, and the representation of public school agencies as a private practitioner. After receiving her law degree from the University of Alabama in 1984, Ms. Jacobs returned to Tennessee and accepted a position as an attorney in the Office of Special Education Programs for the Tennessee Department of Education. In 1989, Melinda joined LRP Publications as Associate Publisher for Education and Disability Publications. She returned to Tennessee in 1996, and joined a small special education law firm representing clients throughout the State. In 1999, Ms. Jacobs opened The Law Office of Melinda Jacobs, exclusively representing school districts in matters pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related state and federal laws. In addition to her law practice, Melinda is a highly sought-after public speaker on special education law. Since 1991, she has presented to thousands of attendees at national, state, regional, and local venues. Melinda's "down to earth" and practical presentation style, combining humor and song parodies, makes legal information accessible and understandable for educators, parents, and other professionals in the field. Melinda enhanced the lives of thousands and was incredibly generous to everyone she knew. Preceded in death by her father, Henry Stephen Howes Jr. She is survived by her mother, Geneva Joy Phillips; brothers, Steve (Kim) Howes and Todd Howes; nieces and nephews, Amanda Fickbohm, Adam Howes, Braeden Howes; Great nieces, Mia Howes, Adalynn Howes; sister-in-law; Kristi Howes. A service to celebrate Melinda's life will be announced at a later date. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel on May 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Melinda Jacobs

Sponsored by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service Smith Life and Legacy.

18 Entries

Janet Whitt

May 12, 2024

I still miss Melinda everyday. She was a light that shined and every time I look at the stars, I know she and my sweet Richard are having a great time .

Janet Whitt

May 12, 2019

There is not a day that goes by that I dont think of Melinda. I would talk to her as she was out walking her beloved fur babies and she always had a big smile and cheery personality. She helped me so much in my dark times , I wish I could have been there for her . I know that she and my sweet Richard are in heaven together charming everyone with their bodacious laughter and wicked personalities. I miss you my dear friend.

Sharon Marlow

November 29, 2018

You were such a joy to listen to. So bright, so intelligent, so down to earth, so funny! I am thankful our paths crossed. Till we meet again.

Dianna Whitt-Jones

June 7, 2018

Will be forever missed

Dianna Whitt-Jones

June 7, 2018

Melinda was a wonderful and kind person, I graduated with her high school in Ironton, Ohio Class of '76, we as classmates just heard about this and there was nothing in our local paper. She was on our facebooks but all of a sudden she was off. She was always so kind and sweet to everyone, our class will miss her tremendously, such a tragic loss. Rest in peace Melinda, we all loved you, Class of '76, Ironton High School

Christie Jackson

May 30, 2018

Melinda was brilliant! She has touched so many lives all over the nation and she has helped so many students with disabilities. She is sorely missed in the special education profession but her positive impact will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Veronica McDonald

May 29, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Melinda positively impacted so many lives. She will be deeply missed.

Allison Newman

May 26, 2018

Melinda- I never got to tell you thank you for all you did for us- for our son for John and I . I am so sorry. We miss you so much.

Stacie Barnes

May 25, 2018

I have listened to Melinda speak at TAASE for 16 years. Sometimes I have been in slump wondering if I am in the right profession. She has brought pride and appreciation to the job I do and has made me want to get up and get right back at it. She has armed us with the best legal advice you could get. I have always felt that if I needed her advice she would gladly listen. I was devastated for our loss and her families. I pray for her mother and siblings and that we can all somehow go on and honor this great woman in the way she deserves.

Janet Whitt

May 24, 2018

It has taken some time for me to respond to this tragedy. Melinda was not just a neighbor , but a friend. There was never a time that there was not a smile on her face . She was quick with a cuss word , and just as quick with a kind word . She was there for me when Richard was sick and passed away . A true friend . I loved Melinda. It's so hard to speak of her in past tense , because every time I go by the house , I look up to see lights on in her office . And they are not on . And I also look at the name she had for her home . No Regrets . That was Melinda. I miss my friend .

Kayci Arnoldi

May 23, 2018

Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Melinda. This is a huge loss to the field of special education along with families and schools across the nation.

May 21, 2018

I only knew Melinda from listening to her at conferences. Albuquerque, NM was proud to have her as a speaker for many years on Special Education Law. She was the type of person that made everyone feel like they were her good friend. She will be missed by so many.
Jane Pitts
Bernalillo, NM

Kathryn McCormick

May 21, 2018

Melinda made everyone feel important and at ease all at the same time. Her shoot straight from the hip approach to life was coupled with her humorous story telling got her points across while making you fee it really isn't as terrible as you thought. Hugs and love to all who will miss her including her sweet mom, Joy, who took us all under her wing when she was around. Fall Creek Falls, TASSE, and LRP will not be the same.

May 20, 2018

Melinda was a lover of horses and I was so lucky to get to meet her through my business. She had a special love for animals and loved her horses so much. I was so lucky to get to meet such a loving and giving person. She had a warm soul. I felt that instantly the day I met her. She will be missed by all of us and her sweet animals that she owned.

Cheryl B.
Greenville, SC

Bill Ailor

May 19, 2018

Melinda was a colleague, great friend and one of my favorite people. She was an excellent attorney who always did what was right and could be counted on to give the highest, best and most to everything she did. Losing such a wonderful person is shocking and horrible. She will be missed more than any words can ever express.

Misty Brigham

May 18, 2018

Melinda was a breath of fresh air the moment I met her in a trial ten years ago. We instantly clicked. She showed me that an attorney has a purpose and that is to help people. She has a heart of gold! I just had a trial with her last week. I miss her deeply. She told me in an email Friday, the day before she passed, that I was her favorite court reporter and she couldn't wait to see me again and work with her. I instantly emailed her back and said I can't wait either!! I can't wait to see her in Heaven and laugh again with her.......

Pam Hudson

May 18, 2018

Melinda was an inspiring friend & colleague. Our world was better for having her in it. Her serious drive was matched by her infectious humor & genuine love & passion for getting things right. Proper Warm & loving hugs & sweet kisses & Blessings to Melinda & all who knew & loved her.

Karen Frohoff

May 18, 2018

Melinda was an amazing woman and attorney. She has been instrumental in helping public school administrators navigate the complex laws of special education services. She was a friend, a mentor, and an advocate. She has impacted thousands of administrators. He joy and love for others will continue to be her legacy. Rest in Peace. Heaven has added another angel to its holiest choir!

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results