In a poignant tribute, Kimberly Van Der Beek has shared a touching photo of her late husband James Van Der Beek with their daughter Emilia, in honour of Emilia’s recent tenth birthday. The heartwarming image posted on Instagram captures a loving moment between the father and daughter, illustrating their close bond. James, who passed away in February aged 48 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, is seen embracing Emilia while she beams with joy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kimberly-van-der-beek-shares-pic-of-james-with-daughter-032726-tout-208f9f2de98045a39b9a5e8a1dc74a4f.jpg)
The image has resonated deeply with followers, showcasing the enduring love that remains despite James’s absence. Kimberly captioned the photograph with the heartfelt words, “Just a few heavenly months ago. Missing you my love,” reflecting the family’s ongoing grief since the loss of their father and husband.
James and Kimberly were parents to six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, and Emilia, alongside Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4. In the wake of his death, Emilia has bravely opened up about her feelings and the difficult journey of grieving a parent. Not long after her father’s passing, the young girl posted a video sharing advice on coping with loss and maintaining a connection to those who have departed.
In her heartfelt message, Emilia encouraged others to express their emotions, stating, “If you miss them, you can cry. You can talk to them.” She described her daily ritual of speaking to her father, saying, “I start with a sentence, and I say, ‘Hi, Dad. I miss you and I love you so much, and I’ll never stop loving you.'” This practice not only serves as a form of comfort for Emilia but also as a means of processing her feelings in a healthy way.
Elaborating on her grieving process, she said, “You have to feel them in your heart, because they’re in your heart. They’re watching over you.” For Emilia, the belief that her father is in a good place has provided solace. She expressed her confidence that he is now free from pain and in heaven, further solidifying her determination to keep his memory alive.
James Van Der Beek’s cancer diagnosis was made public in November 2024, revealing the seriousness of his condition. He had been diagnosed after what was supposed to be a routine colonoscopy the previous August. His dedication to his family throughout his illness was evident, as he frequently expressed his focus on their wellbeing during his treatment.
Kimberly announced her husband’s death on social media, profoundly touching fans and followers alike. In her announcement, she wrote, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” The sentiment reflects the deep admiration and love that people held for James, not only as an actor but as a devoted family man.
In Emilia’s embrace of her father’s memory, she has emerged as a pivotal source of strength and resilience for her family. Her understanding and articulation of grief resonate profoundly, offering guidance to others who may find themselves navigating similar experiences.
The Van Der Beek family continues to remember James’s legacy, drawing strength from the memories they share and the love that bonds them. As Emilia celebrates her milestone birthday without her father, her courage serves as a reminder of the power of love and the importance of cherishing those closest to us, even in their absence.