James Van Der Beek’s widow shares tender tribute on first wedding anniversary since his death

James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly, shared a touching message about the actor on what would have been their 16th wedding anniversary.

The “Dawson’s Creek” alum died in February after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.

On Sunday, Kimberly honored their anniversary by posting selfies of them together on Instagram as well as a pic of him in a group hug with their six children.

“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.”

James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly, shared a tribute to him on Instagram Sunday on what would have been their 16th wedding anniversary. Instagram/vanderkimberly
Kimberly posted throwback pics of the two, calling herself “the luckiest woman in the world” to have married the actor. Instagram/vanderkimberly

“He continues to be present and guide us,” she added. “I’m eternally grateful. 🙏🌹😍🥰.”

Van Der Beek married Kimberly — his second wife after his split from his first wife, Heather McComb — on Aug. 1, 2010. They shared kids Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10, Gwendolyn, 8, and Jeremiah, 4.

Kimberly, 44, has continued to honor her late husband since his death. Last month, she shared throwback pics with him on Instagram, captioning her post, “Baby, love does not die. Death does not part.”

She also shared intimate pics of him being a dad to their children on the first Father’s Day since his death, writing, “Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today. And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You’re a marvel. 🩵.”

She also shared, “The beauty of this marriage continues to unfold everyday with all these incredible children we have.” Instagram/vanderkimberly
She posted a pic of the late actor in a group hug with their six children. Instagram/vanderkimberly

Back in May, she acknowledged that she wasn’t doing well three months after Van Der Beek’s tragic death.

“To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement,” the film producer candidly wrote.

“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.”

Still, she expressed her gratitude for the “outpouring of support” that been “beyond anything [she] could have ever expected.”

The “Dawson’s Creek” alum died in February after a battle with colorectal cancer. He’s pictured here with Kimberly and their children in July 2022. vanderjames/Instagram
Kimberly has continued to mourn the “Varsity Blues” star after his death, sharing heartbreaking tributes to him on her Instagram. They’re pictured here in December 2025. vanderkimberly/Instagram

“I am deeply grateful. There is so much more to share here. And in time — I will,” she wrote.

McComb also revealed last month how she was on great terms with the “Varsity Blues” star despite their divorce in June 2010 after nearly seven years of marriage. She shared that he gave her his blessing when she told him she was getting married again to actor Scott Michael Campbell before he died.

McComb told Us Weekly of her ex-husband and Kimberly’s reaction, “They both were so full of love and support and excitement.”

“I know that James would want me to celebrate our love, just like he celebrated the love that he had for Kimberly, which was so beautiful.”

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