The “Dawson’s Creek” actor died following a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48.

Kimberly Van Der Beek says ‘the comforts of shock have worn off’ 3 months after James’ death: ‘The reality is settling in’

The "Dawson's Creek" actor died following a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

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on May 12, 2026 3:23 p.m. ET

Kimberly Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek in September 2023. Credit:

Rick Kern/Getty

- Kimberly Van Der Beek is opening up about grief three months after her husband James died at 48.

- "The reality is settling in... and I miss him. We all miss him," she admitted in a candid Instagram post.

- The actor died in February following a battle with colorectal cancer. James is survived by Kimberly and their six children.

Kimberly Van Der Beek is reflecting on the three months since James Van Der Beek died.

The widow of the *Dawson's Creek *star opened up about grief in a candid Instagram post on Tuesday, sharing images of James and their children. James died in February following a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48.

"To say I'm heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don't capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in... and I miss him. We all miss him," Kimberly began.

"Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. 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," she continued.**

Kimberly, who shares Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah with James, added that the "outpouring of support" she's received "has been tremendous."

Kimberly and James Van Der Beek with their children.

James Van Der Beek/Instagram

"It's held our family in the most beautiful of ways. You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful. There is so much more to share here. And in time- I will," Kimberly concluded.

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James was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 but didn't go public with the health news until November 2024. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good," he said at the time.

Kimberly announced James' death on Instagram on February 11. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," 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."****

'Dawson's Creek' creator says James Van Der Beek wanted a revival: 'He had a beautiful plan'

James Van Der Beek secured down payment to buy family's Texas ranch just before his death with help from friends

Days before James died, he and Kimberly, who were married for 15 years, renewed their wedding vows. "We decided two days beforehand and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles and we renewed our vows from bed," she told PEOPLE in February.

The intimate ceremony was attended by their children and a few close friends, while others participated via Zoom. The "beautiful" ceremony ended with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."**

James and Kimberly Van Der Beek with their children.

James Van Der Beek/Instagram

After his death, a GoFundMe was set up to help offset the steep cost of "medical care and the extended fight" for James' family as they faced "an uncertain future." "They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time," the page reads.

As of publishing, the fundraiser has surpassed its $1.5 million goal with over $2.8 million raised for his family.

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