[1] Buehning was a 1979 graduate of the Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He played on the US national team from 1977–88, competing at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, and winning a gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games, and a silver medal at the 1986 Goodwill Games.

Jim is also a 3-time National Champion with SSC, Jersey Jets & NY Athletic Club.

Another brother, Fritz Buehning, played tennis at UCLA and then was a top professional tennis player, mainly as a doubles player in which he won 12 pro tournaments.

Buehning settled in Madison, Georgia and is lifetime member of the Swim and Sport Club, Flanders, NJ where he played and coached Team Handball for over 50 years.