Yesterday, the world’s most iconic boy next door, James Van Der Beek, died. This talented actor had many incredible attributes. But to those who knew him best, he was simply James, a loving husband, devoted father, and earnest friend.
In 2023, James underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed the presence of stage 3 colorectal cancer. James fought this beast as best as he could. And at his side, his loved ones bravely rallied, right up until his last breath. After James’ soul took flight, the collective world mourned, because James was so much more than his characters played.
Instead, James was one of the good ones. He loved his people and humanity, with zero buts attached. He was also a solid ally, often advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, alongside pets in need of adoption, and, following his diagnosis, colorectal cancer.
His passing hits like a ton of bricks. But for those who walked James home, their hearts are all the more broken, albeit inspired, by the courage James showed in his final days.
James Van Der Beek died after a battle with cancer
Shortly after his death, Kimberly Van Der Beek broke the news of her husband’s passing on Instagram. The pair were married for fifteen years. They spent their final six years together in Austin, Texas, where they relocated to in 2020.
In her emotional tribute, Kimberly penned, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time,” Kimberly said, but “those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Following his 2023 diagnosis, James processed his next steps in private. But as he eventually told People in 2024, “I’ve been dealing with this pretty much in secret for a while, and in the past, I’ve found it helpful and cathartic to share things publicly.” So that’s exactly what James did. He then dove in, using his platform right up until his death to advocate for routine colonoscopies, regardless of anyone’s health and fitness levels.
Stacy Keibler posted a message and photo of James in a wheelchair
Stacy Keibler, a well-known entertainer and close friend of James’ family, shared a raw, reflective post in the wake of James’ passing. Stacy only included one image in her post. But it was a powerful one. In it, we see Stacy kneeling on the ground, lovingly looking up at James as he sat in his wheelchair, gazing out at a colorful sunset.
James’s final moments had a major impact on Stacey’s life. As she shared, “Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life.”
“When you know time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath,” Stacey explained. Meaning, “You don’t rush,” “scroll,” or even “worry about tomorrow.” Instead, “You sit,” “listen,” “hold hands,” and “watch the sky change colors,” and then, “you let it change you too.”
As he peacefully transitioned, James taught Stacy “to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart.” So now, Stacy leaves us all with a very James-coded lesson, asking us to “Love the people in front of you. Say the words. Watch the sunset,” just as James did in his final moments .
Erin Fetherston gave a glimpse into James’ final days
Like Stacey, designer Erin Fetherston was also a close friend of James. In her remembrance post, Erin shared many images taken over the course of their friendship. But it was her final image that truly stopped us in our tracks.
In this, we see Erin crouched down, genuinely grinning at James while holding onto his hand. As for James, he’s lying in his bed with his eyes closed, smiling. Both of their grins were warm, almost as if they had just shared the funniest joke of all time. And in her post, Erin kept this same light energy, thanking James for his “friendship,” “always showing up,” and “being the one who would go the extra mile” in her life.
“What an honor it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend. The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honor — because you always knew the importance of joy,” Erin wrote. She then signed off by saying, “We love you. Always.”
The James Van Der Beek GoFundMe has raised over $1 million
Cancer treatments are incredibly costly. Add to this our broken healthcare system, a lengthy battle that kept James from working full-time at his craft, plus six children and a wonky Dawson’s Creek contract that’s kept him from earning any residuals, and you can likely understand how James’ family is currently struggling following his death. Therefore, James’s closest associates recently launched a GoFundMe campaign. And already, it’s raised over $1.4 million in financial support for his family.
Like this campaign states, “Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.” But now, “Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.” So, if anyone can give, “Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.”
At this time, James’s associates are nearing their hopeful goal of $1.5 million for the Van Der Beek family.
TELL US – WHEN THINKING OF JAMES OR HIS CHARACTERS PLAYED, WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES?
