Kimberly Van Der Beek Honors James on First Posthumous Birthday: ‘Missing You Tremendously’
March 8 marks the first posthumous birthday of actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away on February 11 at the age of 48. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, took to Instagram to commemorate this poignant moment.
Remembering James Van Der Beek
Kimberly, 44, shared heartfelt posts on her Instagram Stories, reflecting on her loss. “Would be your 49th birthday today. And I’m missing you tremendously,” she expressed in a caption over a cherished photo of the couple. She also posted multiple images and videos featuring James and their six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, as well as sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
The Bond Between James and Kimberly
James and Kimberly began their relationship in 2009 and tied the knot in August 2010. They welcomed a large family, moving from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020. Their journey was marked by love and resilience, especially during James’s battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he publicly announced in November 2024. The diagnosis came after a routine colonoscopy in August 2023.
Love and Legacy
Kimberly revealed the news of James’s passing through a tender Instagram post, remembering him as a beloved husband and father. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote, highlighting his strength and grace in his final days.
- James’s Date of Birth: March 8, 1974
- Date of Passing: February 11, 2024
- Age at Death: 48
- Wedding Date: August 2010
- Children: 6 (Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, Jeremiah)
Community Support
Following James’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was established by friends to support Kimberly and their children. The fundraiser, aimed at addressing medical bills and other expenses, exceeded $1 million within 24 hours, demonstrating the community’s love and support for the family.
As the Van Der Beek family navigates this heartbreaking year, Kimberly’s heartfelt tributes serve as a reminder of the deep love they shared. James’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his family and the memories they created together.
