Jones was a newspaper reporter and editor for several newspapers and United Press International in his early newspaper career as well as a journalism professor at the University of Florida.
Jones was named the first secretary-manager of the Florida Press Association in 1952. During his 16-year tenure he developed a strong, widely respected organization that represented the concerns of Florida newspapers before state, local and national governmental agencies.
He played a key role in merging the Florida Daily Newspaper Association with FPA in 1965, allowing daily and weekly papers to pool resources and work in the best interest of Florida newspaper journalism.
He retired as FPA secretary-manager in 1968 when he was selected dean of the U.F. College of Journalism. Under his nine-year leadership, the college enjoyed growth in enrollment and enhancement of its national image as a leading journalism college.
