Actor and beloved husband and father James Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday Feb. 11. His death came after losing his battle with colorectal cancer. At just 48 years old, he leaves behind his wife and six children. Van Der Beek is remembered for his staring roles in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues.
WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler penned an emotional tribute in regards to his passing. She writes:
@vanderjames 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. You don’t rush. You don’t scroll. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors and you let it change you too.
In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could. You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart.
The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random.
You are a gift.
An incredible husband.
An extraordinary dad.
The way you showed up for @vanderkimberly and your children…steady, strong, devoted…was a blessing to witness. It has been an honor to stand beside your family in these sacred moments.
It’s pretty incredible how someone can fight so hard for so long, travel the world battling so much, and somehow still look so handsome doing it :) That smile never left you.
You have given this world so many gifts. Your presence was a bright light in my life, and in so many others.
And while your physical body may no longer be here, I know your spirit is doing big things. I feel it already.
We may have lost a good one here on earth… but heaven gained something extraordinary.
I will think of you every time I watch a sunset. Every time I see a rainbow stretch across the sky. I’ll know you’re there.
And maybe the lesson you leave us with is this:
The present moment is everything.
Love the people in front of you.
Say the words.
Watch the sunset.
Trust God, even when you don’t understand.
Thank you for changing me.
I will carry you with me. Always 🤍