James Van Der Beek Online Memorial: Forever Loved and Remembered
In Loving Memory of James Van Der Beek
American actor
8 Mar 1977 — 11 Feb 2026
“A performer remembered for warmth, honesty and the coming-of-age stories he helped define.”
James Van Der Beek's Birth Location
Cheshire
James Van Der Beek's Burial Location
Resting place not publicly disclosed
James Van Der Beek's Death Location
Austin
James’ A Life Across Stage and Screen
From formative years and early roles to the performances, collaborations and relationships that defined a remarkable career
Discovering a Life in Performance for James
The series made him a familiar face to a generation of viewers who saw in Dawson a young person trying to turn sensitivity, friendship and creative ambition into a life.
Learning the Craft for James
Van Der Beek carried that early recognition into a varied screen career. In Varsity Blues, he played quarterback Jonathan Moxon, giving another youth-culture role a mix of humor, vulnerability and quiet resistance.
The Role That Opened New Doors for James
He later appeared in The Rules of Attraction, How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Dancing with the Stars, often showing a willingness to revisit, question and gently parody the image that first made him famous.
A Body of Work Takes Shape for James
Away from the screen, Van Der Beek was a husband and father whose later public life was marked by candor about illness, family and the cost of care.
The Person Beyond the Camera for James
He revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in 2023, and he used his platform to speak openly about treatment, financial strain and support for other families facing cancer. He died on February 11, 2026, at age 48.
Later Chapters and Lasting Bonds for James
Tributes from colleagues, fans and viewers remembered his kindness, the sincerity he brought to formative roles and the way he met his final illness with courage.
James’ Where the Story Began
James David Van Der Beek was an American actor whose career became closely tied to the emotional vocabulary of late-1990s and early-2000s television. Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, on March 8, 1977, he began acting as a teenager and moved from stage work into film and television before becoming widely known as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek.
Condolence Book: Your Words for James
Share a memory, a message of love or words of comfort with everyone who holds James close.
Volume of Memories
In Loving Memory of James Van Der Beek
“Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.”
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James Van Der Beek In Performance and Beyond the Camera
Photographs from the roles, creative partnerships and quieter chapters behind a familiar public presence
James: A Defining Public Moment
A carefully preserved image from James Van Der Beek’s life and public story.
Memory 1 of 6
Voices That Remember James
Family, colleagues and audiences remember the intelligence, generosity and presence brought to every role
The Life Story ofJames Van Der Beek
James’s Story, Held Close
The complete human story behind the performances, from early ambition and hard-earned craft to family and lasting influence
James’ Where the Story Began
James David Van Der Beek was an American actor whose career became closely tied to the emotional vocabulary of late-1990s and early-2000s television. Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, on March 8, 1977, he began acting as a teenager and moved from stage work into film and television before becoming widely known as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek.
Discovering a Life in Performance for James
The series made him a familiar face to a generation of viewers who saw in Dawson a young person trying to turn sensitivity, friendship and creative ambition into a life.
Learning the Craft for James
Van Der Beek carried that early recognition into a varied screen career. In Varsity Blues, he played quarterback Jonathan Moxon, giving another youth-culture role a mix of humor, vulnerability and quiet resistance.
The Role That Opened New Doors for James
He later appeared in The Rules of Attraction, How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Dancing with the Stars, often showing a willingness to revisit, question and gently parody the image that first made him famous.
A Body of Work Takes Shape for James
Away from the screen, Van Der Beek was a husband and father whose later public life was marked by candor about illness, family and the cost of care.
The Person Beyond the Camera for James
He revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in 2023, and he used his platform to speak openly about treatment, financial strain and support for other families facing cancer. He died on February 11, 2026, at age 48.
Later Chapters and Lasting Bonds for James
Tributes from colleagues, fans and viewers remembered his kindness, the sincerity he brought to formative roles and the way he met his final illness with courage.
The Performances and Love That Remain for James
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
The People at the Heart of James’ Life
The family relationships and generations that belong to James’ story.
The Partners Who Shared James’ Life
Kimberly Van Der Beek
wife
Kimberly Van Der Beek is publicly documented as wife within James Van Der Beek’s family story.
Heather McComb
spouse or partner
Heather McComb is publicly documented as spouse or partner within James Van Der Beek’s family story.
Beyond the Public Story: Remembering James
Personal and public photographs remembering the human being beyond the characters known around the world
In memory of James Van Der Beek (1977–2026). Share stories, messages, and memories with family and friends.