Kimberly Honors James Van Der Beek on First Posthumous Birthday: ‘Missing You Tremendously’
James Van Der Beek’s first posthumous birthday was commemorated on March 8 by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. She expressed her deep emotions on Instagram, writing, “I’m missing you tremendously.” This heartfelt message accompanied a touching photograph of the couple.
Remembering James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek, known for his role in *Dawson’s Creek*, passed away at the age of 48 on February 11, following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Kimberly, age 44, shared multiple Instagram Stories to celebrate what would have been his 49th birthday, reflecting on their life together. She posted a series of photographs and videos, many featuring their six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
A Journey Together
- Kimberly and James met in 2009.
- The couple married in August 2010.
- They relocated from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020.
James announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024 through an exclusive interview. His condition was discovered after a routine colonoscopy in August 2023.
A Special Last Days
In a touching finale, James and Kimberly renewed their wedding vows just days before his passing. Kimberly described the ceremony as simple yet moving, stating they chose to renew their vows from their bedroom filled with flowers and candles.
After James’s death, friends set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Kimberly and their family. The fundraising effort quickly raised over $1 million to help cover the extensive medical costs resulting from James’s illness.
As Kimberly continues to honor her husband, she reflects on the love they shared and the impact he had on their family and beyond. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” she noted, as she navigates this difficult journey of grief.