James’ wife Kimberly—with whom he shared children Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4—confirmed he had died in a Feb. 11 statement to Instagram, writing, “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,” the message continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”