Born in Powhatan County, Virginia, Jones attended Hampden–Sydney College and the University of Virginia before reading law to enter the bar in 1830.
He was in private practice in Virginia from 1830 to 1834, then worked as a clerk in the United States Land Office in Demopolis, Alabama, resuming his private practice in West Greene and Eutaw, Alabama from 1836 to 1843.
He was nominated to the same position by President Buchanan on January 23, 1860.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 30, 1860, and received his commission the same day.
His service terminated on January 12, 1861, due to his resignation.