Jakob A. Howard, 15, of Pennington Gap, Virginia passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Jakob was born on January 31, 2011 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia to Melanie Hope Bryant and David Howard. Jakob was a laid back person who enjoyed life, his friends, and his family. He was a former student at Elk Knob Elementary and Pennington Middle School. He was a current student at Lee High School. Jakob was a loving son, brother, grandson, cousin, and friend. He never missed an opportunity to rage bait.

Jakob is preceded in death by his grandmother, Karen Clark; papaw, Roy Bryant; and uncle, Brian Bryant.

Those left to cherish his memory are his father, David Howard; mother, Melanie Hope Bryant; step father, Eric Lawson; brothers, Nova Howard, Liam Thacker, and Brandon Kelly; sisters, KayLynne Howard, Avery Foster, Josie Lawson, and Gracie Lawson; grandparents, Mike Howard, Grace and Jimmy Hensley, and Robert Bryant; along with several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Lee Memorial Gardens with Greg Carmony officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:45 PM. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In honor of Jakob's relaxed style it is requested that everyone in attendance wear pajamas or what you are comfortable in.

Jakob A. Howard and his family are in the care of Jones-Pennington Gap Funeral Home.