James Van Der Beekwidow, Kimberly Van Der Beeksadly marked his family’s first Father’s Day since his tragic death.
“I’ve missed you so much and I think you were absolutely beautiful today,” Kimberly, 44, wrote on Instagram on Sunday, June 21, they shared a carousel of throwback photos of James and their six children. “And somehow, on the other side? You continue to be a parent. You’re a miracle.”
James died in February after battling stage III colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” Kimberly wrote in a statement posted on social media at the time. “There is much we can tell you about his desires, love for humanity, and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now we ask that we be alone and in peace as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
In the months since Dawson’s Creek Since the alum’s death, Kimberly has been open about dealing with her grief.
“Yesterday it’s been three months since we lost @vanderjames. To say I’m sad is an understatement. Words can’t express what grief is,” she wrote on Instagram last month. “The comfort of the shock is over. The truth has set in … and I miss him. We all miss him. However, there is a different kind of magic in the air.”
He continued at the time, “I feel him. I know him deeply. My connection with God has deepened. The veils of the universe are diminishing. And I hope this is the path my family and I are always meant to walk. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. It has touched our family in the best ways.”
As Kimberly and her children remember James on Father’s Day, several of their loved ones have also paid tribute to the actor’s legacy.
Dawson’s Creek alum Mary-Margaret Humes is remembering her TV son, James Van Der Beek, ahead of Father’s Day 2026, five months after the actor’s tragic death. “Wishing all the amazing dads in the universe a Happy Father’s Day weekend,” Humes, 72, wrote on Instagram on Saturday, June 19, sharing Dawson’s […]
“Best ever. We love you so much James.”🙏🏼❤️✨,” Nikki Reed she wrote via Instagram in a Sunday comment. “To wrap all your little people in a warm hug today, and always. ❤️❤️❤️.”
Dave Annableshe added, “The best father ever.”
James’ Dawson’s Creek TV Mom, Mary-Margaret Humes, and celebrated actor this weekend.
“Wishing all the amazing dads in this great world a Happy Father’s Day weekend,” Humes, 72, captioned the set photo. “My advice? Give them a big hug and tell them you love them while you still have the chance…shout out to the lighter moments with @vanderjames @johnwesleyshippjr.”
