Kimberly and James Van Der Beek in a poignant birthday tribute. Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram
In a gut-wrenching Instagram Stories post, Kimberly Van Der Beek marked what would have been James Van Der Beek's 49th birthday with a flood of raw emotion. "Today would have been your 49th birthday, and I miss you deeply," she wrote, sharing a tender photo of the couple.
The tribute quickly went viral as Kimberly posted a series of never-before-seen photos and videos, giving fans an intimate glimpse into their family life. The footage showed James, the beloved 'Dawson's Creek' star, with their six children—daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah—capturing moments of laughter and love.
"Just over a year ago," Kimberly noted in a video caption, showing James on their family ranch. "Doing what he adored. Working this land." The video, which has been viewed millions of times, shows James in his element, embodying the down-to-earth persona fans adored.
James Van Der Beek in a heartfelt family video shared by Kimberly. Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram
Another video revealed James's passion for building, as he worked on their home. "And his other passion: building things here," Kimberly added, highlighting the actor's hands-on nature. Further pictures showcased cherished moments from their relationship, often with him surrounded by their kids.
In a moving caption over a photo of James with the children, Kimberly poured out her heart: "You are the light of our lives. Your love, beauty, presence, tenderness, protection, safety, creativity, and singing. I'm so thankful for our time together."
The post took an even more personal turn as Kimberly addressed James directly: "Baby, you were humanity's finest. This loss is overwhelming, and I will love you forever." This line has since been shared thousands of times, resonating deeply with followers mourning the actor's passing.
Reflecting on the importance of remembrance, Kimberly shared, "Today is my dad's birthday, and the most important thing after someone passes is to keep talking about them." Her words have sparked a wave of tributes from fans, who are sharing their own memories of James and using the hashtag #KeepTalkingAboutJames to keep his legacy alive.
