Father’s Day looked a little different for Kimberly Van Der Beek this year. Four months after the death of actor James Van Der Beek, Kimberly shared an emotional tribute honoring her late husband and the father of their six children. The heartfelt post gave fans a glimpse into the family’s ongoing grief while celebrating the legacy the former Dawson’s Creek star left behind. Taking to Instagram, Kimberly posted a carousel of family photos featuring James with their children, including candid moments from their ranch life, family outings, and everyday parenting memories. Alongside the images, she reflected on how deeply he is missed while also expressing her belief that his presence continues to guide their family.
“Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today,” she wrote. “And somehow, from the other side, you continue to parent. You’re a marvel.”
The tribute comes just months after James passed away at 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. The actor had publicly revealed his diagnosis in late 2024 after privately dealing with the illness for more than a year. During that time, he became an advocate for cancer awareness and prevention while continuing to prioritize his family.
Fans quickly flooded Kimberly’s comments section with messages of support. Among those paying tribute was actress Mary-Margaret Humes, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. Humes described him as “one in a million” and shared her own remembrance of the actor on social media.
James and Kimberly were married for 15 years and shared six children together. Just days before his passing, the couple renewed their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends, a moment Kimberly has previously described as deeply meaningful.
In recent months, Kimberly has spoken openly about navigating life after loss. Earlier this month, she admitted that “the reality is settling in” as the initial shock of losing her husband has faded, while also sharing that she feels connected to him in new ways.
Though Father’s Day was undoubtedly emotional, Kimberly’s latest tribute focused less on grief and more on gratitude. Through family photographs and personal memories, she celebrated the role James played as a father, husband, and constant source of love in their lives.
For fans who grew up watching James Van Der Beek on screen, the tribute served as a reminder that beyond his Hollywood career, his most cherished role was being a dad.