James E. Jones attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Zoology (1973, 1977). He attended the University of Louisville School Of Dentistry and received the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (1978). Following the completion of his dental degree, he completed a residency in Pediatric Dentistry (1978-1980) at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana. He received a Certificate of Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry form Indiana University School of Dentistry. From 1980-1982, he was in the private practice of Pediatric Dentistry in Jeffersonville, Indiana.