James Van Der Beek’s Daughter Emilia Shares Message After His Death

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James Van Der Beek’s loved ones still feel him every day. 

Only a few weeks after the passing of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek’s father, and on what would have been his 49th birthday, their 9-year-old daughter, Emilia, shared a heartfelt message offering advice on coping with loss.

Emilia shared that the most helpful thing after someone passes away is to talk to them and express your feelings. She explained that it’s okay to cry or simply talk to the person you’ve lost. Emilia personally talks to her dad every day, starting by telling him how much she misses and loves him, and then updates him on her life and shares her feelings with her family as well.

She explained that even though she couldn’t hear him, she knew he could hear her, and her mom could hear him too. She said you just have to feel loved ones in your heart, because they remain with you, watching over you and becoming a part of who you are, and they are at peace.

Oh, my heart just breaks for Emilia! She’s James and Kimberly’s sweet girl, and a big sister to Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Gwendolyn, and little Jeremiah. She just shared the most heartbreaking but beautiful thing – she finds peace knowing her dad is finally at peace ‘in Heaven above the clouds’ and isn’t hurting anymore. It’s just…so incredibly sad, but she’s so strong.

Emilia also shared that it’s alright to express sadness and let people know they can’t fully understand what she’s going through, even if they believe they can. She also explained a piece of advice James gave her.

My dad always said that even if things don’t go as planned, I should still hold onto hope. He believed miracles are always possible, they just might happen at a different time in life, and good things will continue to come our way.

Since her father died, Emilia has felt connected to him by wearing his hat.

She said her dad’s hat still smelled like him, and she cherished that scent. She spoke fondly of him, saying he was a good man who was loved and remembered by many, and that people had prayed for him.

Kimberly shared an old video of her daughter, and also posted a collection of throwback photos and videos of James with their six children on her Instagram Story, as a way of honoring him.

The collection included heartwarming videos of James dancing and playing with the children, helping out around their home, and lovingly caring for them – moments filled with happiness.

I’m just so touched thinking about James and our life together. We’ve been married since 2010, and I keep replaying the most beautiful moments in my mind. He was incredible during the births of our children – so present, so gentle with our babies, and always made me feel so loved and cherished. Those memories are something I’ll hold onto forever, truly.

She shared a family photo with a heartbreaking message: “You were the best person I knew. I’m devastated and don’t know how to cope with this loss. I’ll love you always.”

For more kind words that have been shared about James since his heartbreaking death, read on. 

The creator of Dawson’s Creek shared a heartfelt message to Kimberly Van Der Beek on February 12th via Instagram, writing, ‘With much love, we are here for you. Your Dawson’s Creek family will always be here for you and your beautiful family.’ He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, saying he’s been deeply touched by everyone’s kindness. He explained that he’s struggling to find the right words to convey how much James meant to him, but his thoughts are with Kimberly and her family during this difficult time. He hopes he’ll be able to express his feelings more fully later, but right now, he’s focused on sending them love and support.

Katie, who worked with James on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on Instagram on February 12th, thanking him. She wrote that it was special to share a creative space with him – to both be immersed in acting and feel safe expressing themselves. She fondly remembered laughter, conversations, and listening to James Taylor songs together, calling it a unique and memorable time in their youth.

She described his life as a beautiful work of art, reflected in his loving marriage and six children, calling it a heroic journey. She expressed both deep sorrow at his passing and immense gratitude for the impact he had on her life.

James’ ex-wife, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2009, penned a loving tribute in his memory.

James was a truly special person, full of kindness, joy, and a genuine love for life and his faith. He had a gift for making people smile and was incredibly thoughtful and intelligent. He was always striving to learn, grow, and challenge himself, never settling for the easy path.

She went on to say that James was a devoted father and deeply loved Kimberly. They were truly soulmates, and she’ll always admire the grace and support Kimberly showed him.

I usually know what to say, but today I’m speechless,” Mary, known for playing James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek, shared on Instagram. “James, my sweet and strong fighter, you faced an incredibly difficult challenge with such grace and quiet courage. I will always love and admire you for how you handled everything.”

I’ve been holding our recent conversations – just a few days old – close to my heart. And to our wonderful Dawson’s Creek family, I’m asking for your understanding and respect for our quiet right now. Kimberly and her family have requested privacy during this difficult time, and I know they’d appreciate everyone honoring that.

Krysten shared sad news on Instagram, saying, “Really hard news today.” She expressed her love for James, who played a comedic version of himself alongside her on the show Don’t Trust the B In Apartment 23, and also sent love to his on-screen persona, jokingly calling him “fake James.”

The fashion designer shared a heartfelt tribute to Brother James on Instagram, remembering him as ‘Uncle James’ to their family. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship, his constant support, and his willingness to go above and beyond. They recalled how he was there for them during difficult times, like when their dog passed away and he brought a shovel in the middle of the night, and how he and Kimberly were the first to celebrate their children’s births, truly becoming a part of their lives’ special moments.

It meant so much to be your friend and share time with you,” she said. “We’ll miss you terribly, and nothing will ever feel quite the same. We promise to love and support your family, and we’ll always remember your zest for life and keep dancing in your memory—you taught us how important it is to find joy. We love you, and we always will.

James’s Dawson’s Creek colleague shared how thankful they were to have considered him a brother, adding that they would miss him greatly and wished him peace.

In March 2026, she told Entertainment Tonight that she often thought about him and his family.

It’s a really sad day for everyone who knew and loved James – his friends, fans, and those who supported him through his illness, especially his family. I’m especially heartbroken for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, who will miss him dearly. This is from someone who had the pleasure of working with him on Dawson’s Creek.

She shared her deep sadness about the loss of James Van Der Beek, calling him a truly special person and saying she will miss him dearly. She expressed her love and gratitude for their friendship over the years, admitting she was heartbroken and didn’t know what else to say.

“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” Ashton wrote in a post on X. “Rip.”

The star and writer, known for their work with James on the Prime Video series, shared a tribute on Instagram, calling him “A legend in every way.”

The Dancing With the Stars professional shared a heartfelt message, saying, ‘He was an amazing father, husband, artist, and a truly wonderful person.’ They also sent their deepest sympathy and support to his family.

The former star of Franklin & Bash shared that working with James years ago was a wonderful experience, remembering him as one of the most kind, wise, and generous people he’s ever collaborated with. He praised James’ lasting impact and sent his condolences.

 

Following the news of the Dawson’s Creek actor’s passing, the writer of Hamilton posted a family photo from the show’s 2025 reunion on Instagram, expressing his sympathy for the Van Der Beek family.

 

A representative for the director of Tick, Tick…BOOM! shared a message of condolence with “his many friends and loved ones.” In a statement to TopMob News, the rep said James fought his illness with dignity and a good sense of humor, and his work likely helped others. The rep also shared a personal note, saying they were honored to have been his understudy at the Dawson’s Creek reunion and treasured their friendship, adding that they would miss him deeply.

She shared on Instagram that he demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s plan, even through immense pain. She emphasized that his trust was especially remarkable because of the heartbreak he experienced.

We spent a beautiful evening watching the sunset, and you shared your thoughts, dreams, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how chaotic things can feel, and how maybe you were needed in heaven to bring stability to the world. Right as the sun disappeared, a shooting star flashed across the sky, like a sign that everything happens for a reason.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram how deeply saddened she was by the loss, calling the person a beautiful soul and expressing her sympathy to their family. She offered her support and let them know others were there for them during this difficult time.

The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was feeling heartbroken, and sent “love, light & strength” to Kimberly Van Der Berg.

It absolutely broke my heart to hear the news. I’m sending all my love and support to Kimberly and her children as they go through this incredibly difficult time. It’s just so sad.

He was a truly kind and loving man, and everyone who knew him adored him,” she said, remembering him fondly. “I send my deepest sympathies to his wonderful family, whom he cherished so much.

She began, addressing him as a beautiful soul, and shared how deeply he impacted everyone who knew him. She spoke of his profound nature, strong presence, and incredible love for his family, especially the unique and enduring bond he shared with Kimberly. She considered him the wisest person she’d ever met, cherishing every bit of advice and life lesson he’d given her, and knowing she’d carry those memories forever.

She went on, saying she could barely express how beautiful James’s writing was. He had a gift with words, and whenever he wrote, he reminded everyone of the power of gentleness and emotion. She shared how deeply loved and missed he was, admitting her heart was broken and that the pain would likely stay with them always.

Kimberly,” the Twilight actor continued, “we’re sending all our love to you and your adorable babies. You and James are such a wonderful example of love – truly the best I’ve ever seen. We’ll always be here for you, no matter what.

She shared on Instagram that she was deeply saddened by the passing of James Vanderkamp. She remembered him as a kind person, a devoted father, and a talented actor, fondly recalling him as her first on-screen kiss during his appearance on ‘Clarissa Explains It All’.

She shared that he passed away far too young, but it sounds like he battled bravely. They met about two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a very supportive father. She’s sending her deepest sympathy to his six children, wife, and the rest of his family.

The Dancing with the Stars professional, who partnered with James during season 28 of the show, shared a heartfelt message saying she was heartbroken by his passing. She described him as family and expressed her deep love, adding that he could be proud of the person he was. She was grateful she had the chance to say goodbye.

“I’m so sorry,” she wrote. “My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.”

She expressed her deep sadness, saying, “This is absolutely heartbreaking news. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, and I’m sending my best wishes to everyone.”

Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you.” He expressed his belief that James is now at peace and surrounded by love in Heaven. Paul also said his family would be keeping James’s family, the Van Der Beeks, in their thoughts and working to raise money to help support them. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and remembering him as a kind person.

The Dancing With the Stars pro wrote, “Sending so much love and prayers.”

She said she would never forget his kind and gentle spirit, and sent her love and prayers to Kim and the whole family.

The One Tree Hill actor shared their condolences, writing, “Sending all my love and support to your wonderful family.” They described the deceased as an incredible person, adding, “We are so deeply sorry for your loss. He touched all of our lives with his words, creativity, and kindness, and motivated us to be our best selves. Wishing you strength and peace.”

As she wrote on Instagram, “Sending so much love to your family.”

She shared a heartfelt message, saying she loved her friends and was thinking of them after hearing about James’ passing. She expressed how grateful she was for their long-lasting friendship, and admired how James exemplified what it meant to be a loving husband, father, and brother. She felt fortunate to have witnessed the deep love and care within their family.

She added, “Sending all the love and light to you all.”

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2026-03-09 15:48