James Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 after a long cancer battle still came as a shock to the TV world and fans alike. He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. Swiftly after the news broke about his passing, a GoFundMe page for James’ family went live, to raise funds for them, highlighting that their family home could be at risk.
The Dawson’s Creek star’s family residence is situated in Texas, and we’ve seen glimpses of it online, inside and out. He branded the estate “grounding” and “centering” when speaking to People magazine.
In February 2024, James revealed his vast garden when an unexpected blanket of snow fell on the ground, turning his normally crisp green yard into an all-white landscape. The family like to spend lots of time in the great outdoors, and one snap showed the kids with baskets posing on a patio near a summerhouse.
Their unique ranch has a vast kitchen with striking wooden beams and pillars throughout. The cabinets are fresh white with contrasting brown countertops.
Elsewhere in the property is a double-height room with plenty of light with a cosy sitting area. Again, this space features exposed wooden beams, adding to the rustic feel of the room.
In 2024, he revealed that every year on his birthday, his “TV mom” Mary-Margaret Humes sends him home-baked cookies via FedEx, and she even shipped them out to Texas for him. James was filmed enjoying the sweet treats moments after he received the package.
The family actually relocated from Los Angeles to Texas during the pandemic, for a complete lifestyle overhaul. “We wanted to get the kids out of Los Angeles. We wanted to give them space, and we wanted them to live in nature,” he told Austin Life magazine.
In the same interview, wife Kimberly revealed she meditated under a tree to find out if Texas was a good place to move. “The information I was given was that Texas has the capacity to heal. It’s expansive and nature will hug you and heal you,” she said. “We sound so hippie,” laughed James.
“Sometimes a fuller life begins with an empty house. Leaving Los Angeles incredibly grateful for all the friends and memories we’ve made here. Onto the next big adventure!” James wrote on Instagram at the time. As well as the global pandemic, there was turmoil in James’ personal life as he and his wife suffered multiple pregnancy losses, his mother died, and he also had trouble with a business partner who he said: “Stabbed me in the back”.
When he left LA, he rented out his 90210 postcode property that he originally bought for $2.5 million, it is now believed to be worth $4 million.
The GoFundMe page
The page was created after the news broke, with a $500,000 target, which was quickly adjusted to $1.3. The synopsis reads: “James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. 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.
© Getty Images for Hilarity for Ch“In the wake of this loss, 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. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.
“Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
James on his cancer diagnosis
In November 2024, James spoke about his cancer battle for the first time, telling People: “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
© InstagramAnother post on social media read: “Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline…But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention. Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”
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