Jones' father was a prominent African-American lawyer in Norfolk during the 1950s, the era of massive resistance to school integration in Virginia.
[1] He subsequently returned to Norfolk and served as an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for two years before opening up a private law practice.
In 1987, Jones was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates from the 89th District when the incumbent, Yvonne Miller, chose to run for the state senate instead.
He finished third behind the eventual winner, Richmond Mayor Tim Kaine, and Delegate Alan Diamonstein of Newport News.
In June 2002, Governor Mark Warner appointed Jones state Director of Juvenile Justice until 2005.