Brother Jones was born on October 24, 1956, in Clarion, Iowa, and grew up in the nearby community of Rowan. He graduated from Belmond Community High School in 1974.

Shortly after graduation, Jones enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1974, advancing to the rank of Machinist Mate First Class Petty Officer. Following his military service, he attended North Iowa Area Community College.

Brother Jones was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on July 20, 1999. He has served three terms as Worshipful Master of Adel Lodge No. 80 in 2003, 2013, and 2017. He holds District Lecturer Certificate No. 3079.

His Masonic affiliations extend across the appendant bodies. Jones is a member of the Des Moines York Rite, the Za‑Ga‑Zig Shrine, and the Des Moines Valley of the Scottish Rite, where he was coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary on September 23, 2023. In 2025, he received the Honorary Legion of Honor from the Order of DeMolay.