James Van Der Beek’s Widow Kimberly Shares Emotional Birthday Tribute

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Kimberly Van Der Beek is honoring the life of her late husband.

James Van Der Beek’s wife recently shared previously unreleased photos and videos of the Dawson’s Creek star, who sadly passed away on February 11th after fighting colorectal cancer. She posted them to commemorate what would have been his 49th birthday.

Kimberly shared a photo of her and James on Instagram on March 8th, writing, “Today would have been your 49th birthday, and I miss you so much.”

Kimberley, a mother of six – Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4) – who shares her life with James, recently posted a video of the Varsity Blues actor from a year and a half ago. The video showed him doing what he enjoyed: working on his property.

The mother of six shared many previously unseen family memories with James and their children.

Oh my gosh, you guys, he’s just the sweetest! I was scrolling through and saw this adorable video of James dancing with his little boy – seriously, my heart melted! And then, another picture popped up of him taking his two youngest on some kind of adventure! It’s just… everything. He’s such a hands-on dad, it’s amazing. I can’t even handle the cuteness! I mean, The Rules of Attraction actor AND a family man? Perfection!

Kimberly shared another family photo with a heartfelt message: “You bring so much light into our lives with your love, beauty, and everything you are – your kindness, the way you care for us, and your creative spirit.”

She added, “I’m so grateful for the time.”

Kimberly—who wed James in 2010—also opened up about her grief following James’ tragic death.

She shared a family photo with the message, ‘You were the best person I knew,’ expressing her deep grief and saying she would love him always. She admitted she didn’t know how to cope with the loss.

Kimberly recently shared a heartfelt message, following her announcement that she and James had a small, private vow renewal ceremony by his bedside just before he passed away.

Kimberly and her friends spontaneously decided to renew their wedding vows just two days prior. They decorated the couple’s bedroom with flowers and candles, and the ceremony took place in bed. Kimberly described the event as “simple, beautiful, and moving,” in an interview with People magazine on February 17th.

The event took place six months after James revealed he had colorectal cancer in 2024, and celebrated his 15th wedding anniversary with Kimberly.

Today marks 15 years since this amazing woman became my wife. In an Instagram post, he shared a photo of them together and wrote about how she’s the most incredible person he knows. He hinted at a difficult couple of years for her, promising to share her story of strength and resilience someday, and expressed that she not only saved his life, but also taught him how to truly live.

For more on James and Kimberly’s family, read on…

Oh my gosh, James always talked about his wife like she was the absolute heart of their family! With six kids, things had to be crazy, but he was constantly saying she was the one who held everything together, the reason they all stayed so close. It was so sweet, honestly!

I just… I can’t even begin to explain how much I admired her. She wasn’t just anyone, you know? She was everything – a mother, a true friend, someone who understood healing like it was a gift, a genuinely caring person who felt… bigger than life. James wrote this on Instagram back in March 2024, and it just gets me. He said she was all those things, and as a wife? He literally said he wouldn’t be the man he was without her. It’s just… heartbreaking, especially knowing he’s gone now, lost to cancer in February 2026. It feels like losing a piece of her too. I just… I was obsessed, and I’m not even ashamed to admit it.

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

The Dawson’s Creek star shared on Instagram in February 2025, ‘I knew I’d chosen the right Valentine, but honestly, I didn’t have a chance. I fell for you the instant you spoke up while I was telling a friend I was looking for something real.’

James and his oldest child Olivia had an indescribable bond.

He shared in a September 2023 social media post that meeting his child instantly expanded his capacity for love in ways he never thought possible, and that his child has been teaching him about love ever since.

The most rewarding thing about raising six children is watching them grow into their own unique selves. James always said his daughter Emilia was especially strong and spirited.

He shared in a March 2025 Instagram post 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. ‘When this child speaks,’ he wrote, ‘I always listen.’

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

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

Oh my gosh, I’ve read that post a million times! James said it back in October 2025, and it just gets him. He described our angel as having this incredible strength, but also being so naturally sweet. And then, he just… he said ‘And ALL boy!’ It’s just perfect. Honestly, watching him run around, being his chaotic self, all I can think is how lucky we are that he came into our lives. It’s everything!

As Joshua turned thirteen, James thought about how much his son had helped him grow as a person.

In a March 2025 Instagram post, he shared how much someone had influenced his character, writing, “I’ve learned more from you about the man I aspire to be than from anyone else.” 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 photo shared with his children, former Dawson’s Creek star James spoke about how strong his daughter is.

In a January 2026 Instagram post, he expressed his amazement at how someone could remain so kind, gentle, and authentic despite everything happening in the world.

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 full of personality and charm. He added that she’s a quietly brilliant person who can make anyone laugh, and watching her with children is incredibly heartwarming and inspiring.

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2026-03-08 21:17