James Van Der Beek, Wife Renewed Wedding Vows Before His Death

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James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek didn’t wait for one final milestone.

Just days before he passed away at 48 on February 11th, actor and Dawson’s Creek star renewed his wedding vows with his wife of 15 years in a private ceremony at their home in Texas.

Kimberly and her husband decided to renew their vows on the spot just two days prior. Their friends surprised them with new rings, decorated their bedroom with flowers and candles, and they held the ceremony while still in bed. Kimberly described the event to People magazine as “simple, beautiful, and moving.”

James and Kimberly, parents of Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4), had a small, private ceremony with family and close friends, Kimberly told People magazine. The event concluded with a performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by their friend and musician, Poranguí.

In a photo, Kimberly is holding James’s hand, which was resting on a pillow. Both of them are showing off their identical gold wedding rings to the camera.

The event took place six months after James revealed he had colorectal cancer in 2024 and celebrated 15 years of marriage to Kimberly.

Today marks 15 years since this woman said ‘yes’ to becoming my wife. In an Instagram post with a smiling photo of them together, he called @vanderkimberly the most incredible person he’s ever known. He shared that he’ll one day share the story of her strength and resilience over the past two years, and how she consistently stepped up. He expressed that she not only saved his life, but also taught him how to truly live it.

He shared, “I love and appreciate you more than words can say. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Happy anniversary, my love.”

Prior to his death, James detailed how his wife stood beside him during his cancer journey.

The actor from Varsity Blues said on Today that he wouldn’t be here today without his wife. He explained that she’s taken on the roles of caregiver, nurse, and runs the household.

For more on James’ life at home with Kimberly and their kids, keep reading…

James and his wife have six children, and he frequently praised her for being the heart of their family and keeping them connected.

In a heartfelt Instagram post from March 2024, James—who sadly passed away in February 2026 after a long fight with cancer—shared his admiration for his wife. He described her as an incredible mother, friend, healer, and a truly compassionate person, adding that he wouldn’t be the man he is today without her love and support.

Throughout James’ health battle, he emphasized what it meant to have her by his side.

Let me tell you, I really hit the jackpot with my Valentine! I always say, you know when you know, and that was absolutely me. I wasn’t even looking, honestly – I was literally in the middle of telling a friend I was ready for something real when this amazing person walked into my life and completely stopped me mid-sentence. I was smitten instantly, and there was no resisting after that!

James and his oldest child Olivia had an indescribable bond.

He shared in a September 2023 social media post that meeting his child instantly changed his understanding of love and broadened his capacity for emotion in ways he never thought possible. He added that his child has been guiding him ever since.

The most rewarding thing about raising six children is watching them grow into themselves. James always said his daughter, Emilia, was especially strong-willed and admired her for it.

He shared in an Instagram post from March 2025 that while he learns from all his children, he’s always seen this one as a source of wisdom. He appreciates how this child keeps everyone on schedule, helps with their younger brother, and isn’t afraid to offer constructive criticism – he always pays attention when this child speaks.

As the couple’s kids all opted for separate costumes, Halloween 2025 was a boo-tiful family moment.

After experiencing two heartbreaking losses late in their pregnancies, Jeremiah—born in 2021—brought immense joy to the couple as their “rainbow baby.”

James shared in an October 2025 social media post that his son has “an iron will combined with an innate sweetness.” He continued, playfully acknowledging his son’s energetic nature – running, screaming, and banging things – and expressed deep gratitude for him joining their family.

As Joshua turned thirteen, James thought about how much his son had changed him and the man he’d become.

In a March 2025 Instagram post, he shared how much someone had influenced his character, writing, “You’ve shown me more than anyone what kind of person I aspire to be.” He explained that their questions helped him stay on track, their perspective gave him self-awareness, and their humor always brought him joy.

In a recent public photo with his children, actor Joshua Jackson, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, shared how impressed he is with his daughter’s strength and ability to bounce back.

In a January 2026 Instagram post, he expressed his amazement at how someone could remain so kind, open-hearted, and truly good despite the challenges of life.

For her seventh birthday, James gushed over how proud he is of his little girl.

He wrote in a June 2025 Instagram post that even before she was born, she was already full of personality and charm. He thinks she’s incredibly clever, adding that she has a gift for making people laugh and a wonderful way with children that reminds him of the best in people.

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2026-02-17 22:22