Part of Joshua Jackson will always be in Capeside withJames Van Der Beek.
Almost a month after his former Dawson’s Creek colleague passed away at age 48 after fighting cancer, the Doctor Odyssey actor shared that he’s still grieving.
Okay, so Joshua was on Today on March 10th, and he was talking about it, and honestly, it just struck me how deeply he’s taking this. He said it’s different now that he’s a dad – seeing the tragedy from the perspective of a family, it’s hitting him so much harder than just knowing him as a coworker. He just seems really affected, and he said he’s still processing everything, which, honestly, makes sense. It’s just… heartbreaking to hear him talk about it like that.
Although Joshua collaborated with James for more than five years on Dawson’s Creek, he felt they only saw a small part of who James truly is as a person.
Joshua said they had a wonderful experience when they were both young. He remembers looking back on it fondly, but acknowledges that he played a small part in the other person’s overall success.
As he put it, “He became what we usually just call a ‘good man.’”
Joshua went on to describe him as a man with unwavering faith, someone who could handle any challenge with dignity. He was an incredible husband and partner, a truly devoted father who always prioritized his family and showed them constant love and support.
Joshua noted how James’ great qualities made his passing even harder to cope with.
He went on to say, “It’s wonderful in a way. I believe he lived a full and good life, and was a good person. The sadness his family is feeling is immense.”
James’ family announced he passed away on February 11th after a nearly three-year fight with colorectal cancer.
It’s with a heavy heart that I share the news of James’ passing. His family – his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn – released a statement saying he faced his final days with incredible courage, faith, and grace. They also shared that he had so much he wanted to express about living a full life, loving others, and truly appreciating every moment. It’s a beautiful reminder to all of us to cherish what matters most.
The family has asked for privacy and peace as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Even after Dawson’s Creek finished in 2003, Joshua and James stayed in touch, becoming especially close during the show’s star’s last few years.
Oh my gosh, it just breaks my heart knowing how happy James was right before he passed. He actually said reconnecting with Joshua, and seeing Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Kerr Smith again was “so great”! It’s just… everything. Knowing he got to feel that joy with his Dawson’s Creek family… it means the world to me, honestly. It just makes me smile thinking about it, even through the tears.
James explained on the Whine Down podcast in March 2025 that everyone drifted apart and stopped talking for several years as they focused on their own lives. He said it was wonderful to reconnect and appreciate how much everyone had grown and changed.
Oh my gosh, it’s just so amazing to hear! Apparently, it was the rest of the Dawson’s Creek family – Katie, Michelle, and especially Busy Philipps – who really brought everyone together while James was going through everything. They’re all just so incredible for doing that, honestly! It warms my heart to know they were there for him.
“I wish I could say I was involved,” the former Cruel Intentions star shared on the Dinner’s On Me podcast in April 2025, “but I wasn’t really around much. The girls all took the initiative and decided they wanted to help him.”
Joshua agreed with James, saying there wasn’t another group of students quite like the ones at Capeside High.
Joshua explained that no relationship is quite like the one you have with a long-term partner. He said that you experience everything together – the good times, the bad, moments of anger and rejection, and ultimately, love.
For a look back at James’ life in photos, keep reading…
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2026-03-10 15:47