On March 8th, what would have been James Van Der Beek’s 49th birthday, his widow Kimberly lovingly remembered him.
“Today is your 49th birthday,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories alongside a photo of the two of them. “And I miss you so much.”
Kimberly shared dozens of photos and videos of the Dawson’s Creek alum, including one of the couple’s six children: daughters Olivia, Annabelle, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
In one clip, Van Der Beek is clearing brush.
“Exactly a year and a half ago,” Kimberly wrote. “Doing what he loves. Working on this land.”
Other videos included the actor dancing with children.
“You are the light of our life,” she wrote in the middle of the carousel. “Your love. Beauty. Presence. Tenderness. Protection. Safety. Creativity. Song.”
Kimberly posted a photo of James cradling one of his siblings when he was a newborn, writing, “The way you looked at me when you were born, the way you held our newborn, the way you looked up to me…I will cherish you forever.”
“Baby, you were the best humankind has to offer,” Kimberly wrote over a photo of the couple and their five children. “I don’t know how to process this loss. I love you forever.”
The Varsity Blues star passed away on February 11th at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, and had been battling stage 3 cancer since August 2023.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” Kimberly, 44, announced on Instagram. “There is much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sanctity of time. That day will come.”
Two days before his death, he and Kimberly renewed their wedding vows.
“My friend gave me a new ring, I filled my bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed,” the former film producer said.
