Born in Mitchell, South Dakota,[1] Jones was in the United States Naval Reserve from 1945 to 1947.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in 1951 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1953.

[2] On October 20, 1981, Jones was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota vacated by Judge Fred Joseph Nichol.

Jones was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 18, 1981, and received his commission the same day.

[2] Jones died in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 30, 2023, at the age of 95.