He returned to Ames in 1970 to continue his research on the oblique wing. Jones was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1973. A Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Jones was selected as an Honorary Fellow of the organization in 1979. He received the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service in 1981 in recognition of his numerous contributions during his 40-year government career. Jones was a member of many professional organizations, including the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Science, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Funeral arrangements are pending.