James Van Der Beek’s Ex-Wife Heather McComb Speaks Out After His Death

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Heather McComb will always hold James Van Der Beek in her heart.

After the death of Dawson’s Creek star James at age 48 on February 11th, his ex-wife, Heather—who was married to him from 2003 to 2009—shared her sadness and grief over his passing, describing him as a “beloved” person.

In a tribute posted on February 12th, Heather expressed her deep sadness for James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, their children, and his entire family, noting how much he loved them all and his friends.

She shared a touching tribute along with a black and white photo of her and James when they were younger, embracing each other. She explained the photo was taken on her 21st birthday.

“I’ll always remember James as a genuinely good person—kind, innocent, and with a beautiful heart,” Heather said softly. “We had so many wonderful years together, and I’m incredibly grateful for the special bond, friendship, and love we shared over the decades.”

She remembered sharing a final, heartfelt exchange with James, and described him as a truly radiant person. He was full of love, talent, and kindness, with a deep faith that was evident to everyone who knew him.

The actress, known for her role on Generation X, shared her sympathy for James’ wife, Kimberly, whom he married in 2010, and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

Honestly, it just breaks my heart thinking about how much James adored being a dad. And Kimberly… oh, Kimberly! They were just meant to be, truly soulmates. The way she was there for him, with such poise and strength… it was beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and something I’ll always, always cherish and look up to.

She also commended James for sharing his diagnosis with colon cancer with the world in 2024.

Oh, James… he was just a gift to everyone who had the chance to meet him. And honestly, the fact that he was so open and courageous about his life? It’s not just touched my life, but it’s a gift that keeps on giving to so many others now. It’s amazing, really. He’s still helping people, even now.

She ended her touching speech by mentioning the GoFundMe created to help Kimberly and their children, finishing with a heartfelt, “Until we meet again, sweet soul. Sending prayers.”

Many people, including Heather, have sent their condolences to James’ family and celebrated his life and accomplishments. Read on to learn more.

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 continued by thanking everyone for their overwhelming support, saying it has been deeply felt. He explained that he’s struggling to find the words to express how much James meant to him, and trusts he’ll be able to articulate it someday. Right now, however, his thoughts are solely with Kimberly and her family, and he sends his 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 sharing a creative space with him felt special—like they could both be themselves and trust each other while acting. She fondly remembered their laughter, conversations, and listening to James Taylor songs together, calling it a unique and memorable time in their lives.

She described him as someone who truly valued life and saw beauty in everyday things – like building a strong marriage and raising six wonderful children. She called his life a heroic journey and expressed both her deep sadness at his passing and her immense thankfulness 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 radiant person, full of love, kindness, and a genuine connection to his faith. He had a gift for making people smile and possessed a rare combination of intelligence and humility. He was always striving to learn, grow, and push himself beyond his limits.

She shared, “James was a wonderful father and absolutely adored Kimberly. They were truly meant for each other. I’ll always admire how elegantly and supportively she was there for him.”

I usually know what to say, but today I’m speechless,” wrote Mary, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. “James, you were a truly graceful and courageous fighter. You faced an incredibly difficult challenge with such calm strength and dignity, and I will always love and admire you for it.

She said those recent conversations, just a few days ago, will always hold a special place in her heart. She also asked that everyone in the Dawson’s Creek family respect their need for quiet at this time, as Kimberly and her family have requested privacy.

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

The fashion designer shared a heartfelt tribute to Brother James, remembering him as ‘Uncle James’ to their family. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship, his constant support, and his willingness to always go above and beyond. They recalled specific instances of his kindness, like bringing a shovel when their dog passed away and being the first to visit after their children were born, emphasizing that he wasn’t just present for their big moments, but truly a part of them alongside @vanderkimberly.

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 to always remember your zest for life and joy – we’ll keep dancing for you. We love you, and we always will.

A former coworker of James expressed their sadness, saying, ‘I’m so thankful to have known James as a brother. I will miss him very much. May he rest in peace.’

Busy, a former colleague of James’s, shared a heartfelt message expressing her sadness for everyone affected by his passing. She specifically mentioned those who knew and loved him, admired his work, and supported him through his illness, particularly his family—his parents, brother, and sister. Her deepest sympathy, however, was for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

She shared, “James Van Der Beek was a truly unique and wonderful person, and I’m heartbroken by his loss. I’m still trying to process this, but I want everyone to know how much I loved him and how grateful I am for the many years of friendship we shared.”

“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 tendency to overdo things, recently posted on Instagram, calling James a “legend in every way.” They had previously collaborated with James on a Prime Video series.

Oh my gosh, he’s just… everything! A phenomenal dad, an amazing husband, and the most talented artist ever! I’m sending all my love and comfort to his family right now, they must be heartbroken. Seriously, he was perfect.

The former star of Franklin & Bash shared that working with James many years ago was a wonderful experience. They described him as one of the kindest, wisest, and most generous people they’ve ever collaborated with, and praised the lasting impact he had. They sent their condolences and well wishes.

 

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

She shared on Instagram that he taught her how to have faith in God’s plan, even during incredibly painful times, and especially when things didn’t go as hoped.

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

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram that this was a heartbreaking loss for everyone, describing the person as a beautiful soul. She sent her condolences and prayers to the family, offering support 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.

The actress expressed her deep sadness, writing, “Sending so much love to Kimberly and her children during this difficult time.”

He was a genuinely kind person, and his love for his family was obvious to everyone. He was well-loved, and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, whom he cherished dearly.

She began, speaking directly to his heart. “Anyone who knew you was deeply touched by your kindness and wisdom, and will never forget you. You were a loving family man with a remarkable connection to Kimberly, a bond that felt like it lasted lifetimes. You were, and always will be, the wisest person I know, and I’ll cherish every bit of advice and life lesson you shared with me.”

She went on, saying she could hardly express how beautiful his writing was. He had a gift with words, and whenever he wrote, he reminded everyone of the power of gentle emotion. She shared how deeply loved and missed he was, admitting her heart was broken and that the pain would likely last a long time.

“And Kimberly,” the Twilight alum added, “we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I’ve ever known. Here for you in every way, forever.”

She shared on Instagram that she was devastated to learn of 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 too young, but fought bravely. They met about two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a supportive father. She sends her condolences 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 wrote that he will always be family and expressed her deep love for him, 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 news is heartbreaking, and I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sending my best wishes to you and your family.”

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 will be praying for the Van Der Beeks and will be working to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and remembering him as a genuinely good 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 star sent their heartfelt condolences to the family, writing, ‘Sending love and light.’ They described the deceased as a remarkable person and expressed deep sympathy for their loss. They shared that his work and kindness motivated everyone around him to strive for improvement, and ended with a blessing for the family.

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

She shared in the comments following the announcement of James’s death, “I love you all, my wonderful friends, and I’m holding you all in my thoughts. I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life for so many years. James was an incredible husband, father, and brother to me, and I’m deeply grateful to have seen the love, respect, and care you all shared.”

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

I’m really going through it right now, and honestly, it’s been incredibly tough. I shared on Instagram how grateful I am for a special someone in my life, and I was so thankful I could be there to say goodbye. It’s those moments that really hit you, you know?

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2026-02-12 22:50