James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, posted a touching tribute to the late actor on Father’s Day, the first since his tragic death.
Kimberly shared a photo of the “Dawson’s Creek” alumnus and their six children on a merry-go-round on Instagram on Sunday.
“I miss you so much and today I am reminded of how amazing you were in every way. And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You are a wonder,” she captioned the emotional upload.
Some of their famous friends expressed their love and support for the family in the comments section.
Krysten Ritter wrote, “The best of the best. Happy Father’s Day, James.”
Nikki Reed wrote, “The best of the best forever. We love you so much James. Today and always, we will wrap your entire little family in a warm embrace.”
His Dawson’s Creek co-star Mary-Margaret Humes also honored him with a Father’s Day tribute over the weekend.
James passed away on February 11th after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” Kimberly shared at the time in a joint statement on Instagram. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. He has much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. That day will come.”
The actor had been battling stage 3 cancer since August 2023.
In November 2024, he told People magazine that he was forced to reveal his diagnosis after learning that “the tabloids were going to run this story.”
That same month, he confessed that his cancer treatment was putting a financial strain on his family, and began selling autographed “Varsity Blues” merchandise to help fund his treatment.
James also sold “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia, including clothing and bedroom decor for his character Dawson Leery.
In March of the same year, the “Dancing with the Stars” alum heartbreakingly confessed that he was “no longer a husband who helps his wife” and “no longer a father who picks up his children, drops them off, and is there for them.”
But Kimberly, 43, wrote in her own Instagram post how much of a “treasure” she considers her husband to be, despite believing he is flawed due to his illness.
“I consider myself the luckiest woman in the world to be married to you,” the film producer wrote.
James and Kimberly married in August 2010 and have three children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Annabelle, 12, Emilia, 10, Gwendolyn, eight, and Jeremiah, four.
