James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, solemnly observed her family’s first Father’s Day without him.
“Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today,” Kimberly, 44, expressed on Instagram on Sunday, June 21. She shared a series of nostalgic photos of James with their six children. “And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You’re a marvel.”
James passed away in February after a battle with stage III colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” Kimberly conveyed in a statement on social media at the time. “There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
In the wake of the Dawson’s Creek star’s passing, Kimberly has been open about her journey through grief.
“Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames. To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don’t capture what grief is,” she expressed on Instagram last month. “The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in … and I miss him. We all miss him. Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air.”
Continuing her reflection, she added, “I feel him. I know him more deeply. My conscious connection to God has deepened. The veils of the universe have thinned. And I trust that this is the path me and my family have always been intended to walk. The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways.”
As Kimberly and her children honor James on Father’s Day, numerous loved ones have also paid homage to the actor’s enduring legacy.
Dawson’s Creek alum Mary-Margaret Humes remembers her TV son, James Van Der Beek, as Father’s Day 2026 approaches, just five months after his untimely passing. “Wishing all of the amazing dads throughout this vast universe a Happy Father’s Day weekend,” Humes, 72, wrote on Instagram on Saturday, June 19, accompanied by a nostalgic Dawson’s Creek photo.
“The best of the best forever. We love you so much James🙏🏼❤️✨,” Nikki Reed commented on Instagram on Sunday, sending warm wishes to James’ family. ❤️❤️❤️
Dave Annable also shared his sentiments, describing James as “The best father there ever was.”
James’ Dawson’s Creek TV mom, Mary-Margaret Humes, marked the occasion with a tribute to the actor.
“Wishing all of the amazing dads throughout this vast universe a Happy Father’s Day weekend,” Humes, 72, wrote alongside a throwback set photo. “My advice? Give big meaningful hugs and tell them you love them while you still have the chance … a nod to simpler times with @vanderjames @johnwesleyshippjr.”
