“A man of the kind of belief, the kind of faith that allowed him to face the impossible with grace,” Joshua continued. “An unbelievable partner and husband. A real man that showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, interested, dedicated father.”
Joshua noted how James’ great qualities made his passing even harder to cope with.
“On the one hand that’s beautiful,” he continued. “I think he did lead a very good life and he was a good man, the tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous.”
James’ family previously confirmed he had died Feb. 11 following his nearly three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” James’ family—including wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and kids Olivia15, Joshua13, Annabel12, Emilia, 9 and Gwendolyn6—said in a statement. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.”
The family added, “For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
After Dawson’s Creek ended in 2003, Joshua and James remained friendly, and reconnected stronger than ever in the titular star’s final years.
