He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1939, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Utica.
He served on the New York State Board of Social Welfare, and was appointed Chairman by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller in 1964.
He retired from the Court of Appeals at the end of 1984 when he reached the constitutional age limit of 70 years.
Afterwards he resumed the practice of law with the firm of Hiscock & Barclay in Syracuse, New York, retiring in 1992.
Jones was active in the Episcopal Church, serving as Chancellor of the bishops of the Diocese of Central New York.