James S. Akovenko Biography
President/Executive Director of JAARS

Reflecting on his decision to join Wycliffe Bible Translators to serve as a pilot, Jim Akovenko said, “My spiritual motivation was connected to my technical skills. If I didn’t go and use those skills for God, who would? I needed to step through that door.”

Aviation always intrigued Akovenko. It was natural for Akovenko to join Wycliffe in 1976 to serve as a pilot, because aviation breaks down barriers of distance and terrain to reach people that need God’s Word. For 13 years he flew short-take-off-and-landing Helio Couriers and a helicopter, providing safe and efficient transportation for Bible translators and bringing them needed supplies.

Jim, a native of McCluskey, ND, met his wife Sue (Rygg), from Portland, ND, while attending North Dakota State University where Jim graduated with a B.S. in Agriculture in 1968. After graduation he joined the Air Force. While waiting for his orders to enter pilot training, Akovenko saw Billy Graham on television. and responded to Dr. Graham’s invitation to become a Christian. During flight training he met people discipled by the Navigators and he began studying the Bible.

Akovenko served five years in the Air Force. Some of his missions involved flying doctors, dentists, or other helping people into small villages in Vietnam and Thailand to work among the people. This showed him how aviation could be used in ministry.

While still in the service, Akovenko read Jungle Pilot, the story of aviator Nate Saint who was martyred in 1956 along with four other missionaries while trying to bring the gospel to the “Aucas” (now called Waorani). This book helped to redirect him to mission aviation when he completed his military tour.

Following his military service, Akovenko worked in a sales job in Birmingham, Alabama while considering mission aviation. The Akovenkos attended Briarwood Presbyterian (PCA), a church that was very involved in missions. Its pastor encouraged the Akovenkos to join Wycliffe Bible Translators and work in a cooperative agreement with Mission to the World (MTW).

It was necessary for Akovenko to get aviation maintenance training to serve with Wycliffe and MTW, so he attended LeTourneau University, graduating with an Associate Aeronautical Science degree in 1976. The Akovenkos joined Wycliffe and MTW in 1976, receiving evaluation and orientation with JAARS, which provides technical services for Bible translation efforts.

The Akovenkos served in Irian Jaya, Indonesia, where Jim flew both Helio Couriers and a helicopter. Akovenko moved into administration, serving as aviation manager, national training coordinator, and then regional director of the work in Irian Jaya. They returned to the U.S. in 1992 to serve with JAARS. Akovenko served as Vice President for International Services, and since November of 1996 as Executive Director.

In addition to his degrees from North Dakota State University and LeTourneau, Akovenko received an M.A. in Human Resources Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

The Akovenkos have two sons. Jason and Josh.