At the age of 16, he moved out of Franklin County to Selma, North Carolina joining his older brother.
In 1933, during the Great Depression, Seby Jones moved the family to Raleigh so that he could get a more stable career then re-selling produce.
In post-war years, their company helped renovate and build many supermarkets and stores including over 100 churches.
While mayor, he also helped the city continue to get through the civil rights era and prompted by the influx of new people coming to work in Research Triangle Park.
Under Jones administration, he made setting five-year goals for the City government and the establishment of the Office of Intergovernmental Coordinator whose mission was to ensure that all Raleigh citizens have access to local, state and federal agencies and funds to improve their neighborhoods and their lives.
He also supported many organizations including the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America and The Gideons International.