Our journey begins with Jim Gilliland

Jim Gilliland has been a Native American artist and flute maker for more than 35 years. Living in North Alabama, he is a registered Native American of Cherokee, Creek, and Scots-Irish heritage. He retired from the Space Program as a Senior Design Engineer in 1999, after 40 years of service. Using his engineering skills and Native American heart, he created a River Cane/Bamboo flute that truly sings. His flutes are made using both traditional methods and modern technology.

In 2002, one of his River Cane flutes was played on the International Space Station and is now housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

In 2005, he was honored as the First Place winner at the Musical Echoes Flute Makers Competition in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He took first place with a River Cane flute in the key of E, featuring a roost and sound mechanism inlaid with ebony.

Although the company closed in 2023, his flutes had been sold worldwide through The Oregon Flute Store since 1998. The Oregon Flute Store also carried Wayne’s flutes alongside Jim's. Upon the closure of The Oregon Flute Store, Jim chose to step back from the wholesale market and now makes/sells flutes at his leisure. He has entrusted his grandson, Wayne, to carry on the legacy he has so meticulously developed over the years.

Jim began teaching his grandson, Wayne Pyle

In 1999, at the age of 12 , Wayne began his journey learning the craft that Jim has dedicated his life to mastering. Wayne is also a registered Native American and has been taught to embody the core values that are embraced amongst the native community. After building a career in carpentry and pursuing his love for art and music, he has brought these new skills to the mill and has started taking his flute making skills to the next level. Since, he has introduced custom hand wood burning designs to the flutes and is working to bring new scales to the flute for a more diverse soundscape. He is committed to preserving the teachings while embracing new ideas and techniques to meet the demands of an evolving market

He has fully embraced the responsibilities passed down to him as Jim’s successor. Since, he decided to rebrand the company, formerly known as ‘Jim Gilliland Flutes’ to the current, ‘Circle of Life Flutes’. He believes the name not only honors his grandfather’s legacy but also embodies the core values taught to him growing up. It signifies the importance of family, heritage, and carrying on the traditions passed down through generations. In their heritage, this is part of what is called “completing the circle.” Wayne is committed to ensuring the same care, dedication, and craftsmanship his grandfather began teaching him years ago.

The Next Generation…

Jim has recently taken his great-grandson, Hunter Pyle, under his wing as an apprentice. This has helped Jim to ensure the longevity of his work. He currently oversees every step of the flute-making process to ensure the family’s quality. Hunter is currently away at college pursuing his dreams but looks forward to getting in the shop whenever he can!