James Van Der Beek’s widow shares tribute on his heavenly birthday

James Van Der Beek was lovingly remembered by his widow, Kimberly, on what would have been the actor’s 49th birthday on March 8th.

“Would be your 49th birthday today,” she wrote on Instagram Stories over a photo of the two of them. “And I’m missing you tremendously.”

Kimberly shared dozens of photos and videos of the “Dawson’s Creek” alum, including many featuring the couple’s six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.

In one clip, Van Der Beek is clearing brush.

“Just a year and a half ago,” Kimberly wrote. “Doing what he loved. Working this land.”

Other videos included the actor dancing with his kids.

“You are the light of our lives,” she wrote in the middle of the carousel. “Your love. Beauty. Presence. Tenderness. Protection. Safety. Creativity. Singing.”

Kimberly posted a photo of James cradling one of their brood as a newborn and wrote, “The way you were at birth, held our newborns, revered me…I will cherish forever.”

“Baby, you were the best humanity had to offer,” Kimberly wrote over a photo of the couple with five of their children, “this is a loss I don’t know how to process. I will love you forever.”

The “Varsity Blues” star died following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 48 on Feb. 11 and had been battling stage 3 cancer since August 2023.

“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” Kimberly, 44, announced via Instagram. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”

Two days before his death, he and Kimberly renewed their wedding vows.

“Our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles and we renewed our vows from bed,” the former film producer shared.