After college, Jones returned to Newberry, taught school for two years, and studied to practice law.

On January 30, 1896, he was unanimously elected an associate justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.

[2] The newly adopted South Carolina Constitution created a fourth seat on the state's highest court, and Jones was the first person elected to fill the position.

When Chief Justice Pope resigned, Jones was chosen to complete the unexpired term.

[4] On September 11, 1911, Jones sent his resignation to Governor Cole Blease, effective January 9, 1912.