John D. Jones was a carpenter and contractor who attempted and failed to make the transition to professional architect. He entered the Preston Retreat competition, c.1837, (won by Thomas Ustick Walter) and in 1838 prepared a rendered elevation of a dwelling for one B. Smith of Philadelphia which he sent (as Thomas Ustick Walter also did at the same time) to the Royal Institute of British Architects. In 1841 he was an unsuccessful entrant in the Wyoming Monument competition, as was Walter. In later years he appears to have concentrated on contracting and was the builder for the Academy of Music (erected 1855-57 from designs of Napoleon LeBrun, and Gustav Runge).

Written by Roger W. Moss.