In an emotional Instagram post marking what would have been the couple's 16th wedding anniversary, Kimberley Van Der Beek shared that her late husband James "continues to be present and guide us" as she paid tribute to their marriage.
The Dawson's Creek star died in February at the age of 48 after a lengthy struggle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberley, 44, shared several photographs of the couple and one of the whole family embracing, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.
"16 years ago I was the luckiest woman in the world to marry @vanderjames," she wrote. "The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold everyday with all these incredible children we have. He continues to be present and guide us. I'm eternally grateful."
A public announcement and a private grief
Kimberley announced James's passing on 11 February, describing how he "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." In a statement shared on social media, she said: "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
The announcement was immediately met with an international outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues and friends, with many expressing their condolences online.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment
The actor first disclosed his cancer diagnosis in 2024, saying he was focusing on his health and family. He explained that he had noticed changes in his bowel movements before undergoing a colonoscopy.
During an interview with People magazine, he recalled the initial symptom: "I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn't improve, I thought, 'All right, I better get this checked out.'"
He said the diagnosis came as a shock because he was in excellent physical condition at the time. "I'm very healthy. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy as much as I could, as far as I knew at the time. Though I've since learned a lot about what actually eating healthy is."
A three-decade career
James Van Der Beek rose to fame as the title character in the hit 1990s teen drama Dawson's Creek, a role that made him a household name and a heartthrob for a generation. He went on to appear in films such as Varsity Blues and the comedy series Don't Trust The B---- in Apartment 23, showcasing his range as an actor.
His career spanned nearly three decades, and he remained a beloved figure in popular culture. From dramatic leads to comedic turns, he consistently earned praise for his performances.
Family and legacy
The couple shared six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10, and Gwendolyn, 8, and sons Joshua, 14, and Jeremiah, 4. In her anniversary post, Kimberley acknowledged the family's bond, noting that the beauty of their marriage continues to unfold through their children.
As the family marks their first anniversary without him, Kimberley's words offer a heartfelt glimpse into their grief and gratitude. She described herself as "eternally grateful" for the time she had with James, and expressed certainty that he remains a guiding presence in their lives.
