Born in Quincy, Massachusetts,[4] Jones was commissioned as a second lieutenant of infantry in 1911. He served as a temporary major during World War I.[5]
Jones was an honors graduate of the Command and General Staff School in 1924 and graduated from the Army War College in 1932. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in August 1935 and colonel in November 1940.[5]
Sent to the Philippines in 1940, Jones was initially given command of the 31st Infantry Regiment.[4] He was subsequently assigned to organize and command the 51st Division. Before withdrawal to Bataan, General Jones temporary took command of South Luzon Force as General Parker was ordered to go in advanced and prepare Bataan for the retreat of all forces there. After reaching Bataan, Jones reverted back to his command of 51st Division commanding it until March 1942. After creating Luzon Force which General Wainwright was selected to command, Jones was made commanding general of I Corps (Philippines). He received temporary promotions to brigadier general in December 1941 and major general in March 1942.[5] Jones was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by General Douglas MacArthur in February 1942.[4] After surrendering to Japanese forces in April 1942, he spent over three years as a prisoner of war.
After the war, Jones served as chief of the Military Advisory Group in the Philippines.[4] His wartime promotion to major general was made permanent in January 1948.[6] He retired from active duty on July 31, 1952.[7]