'How I'll always see him': James Van Der Beek's ex-wife shares a touching tribute to the late actor

James Van Der Beek's ex-wife Heather McComb has paid tribute to the late actor.

Beek passed away on Thursday after a long battle with colorectal cancer, with his Dawson's Creek co-stars leaving tributes for the star, as well as his wife Kimberly, who announced the news of his passing on Instagram.

Among the messages remembering the actor was a touching post by McComb, who married Beek in 2003 before the pair divorced in 2009.

She posted a black and white photo of the pair at her 21st Birthday Party, taken before Dawson Creek had even aired. 

The lengthy post detailed their decades-long friendship even after the couple split, and expressed that his family meant everything to him.

"I am heartbroken over the loss of beloved James. I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends, who I know he loved deeply," she captioned the post.

Speaking of the photo of the young couple, she added: "This is how I will always see James, innocent, kind and pure of heart.

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"What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades."

"James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humour, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him.

"He shined so bright yet was so humble and human."

She added that Beek "loved Kimberly with his everything," adding they were "true soulmates."

"How (Kimberly) showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire," she continued.

"James was a blessing to all that knew him and because of his boldness to share his journey with the world so bravely is now a blessing to all."

She also encouraged her followers to donate to A GoFundMe set up to help the Van Der Beek family through this difficult time, as James's treatment caused a financial strain on the family.

The fundraiser, which has already surpassed $US1.5 million ($2.1 million), reads "Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future" after medical expenses "left the family out of funds."

According to US Weekly, the likes of Ricki Lake and Derek Hough donated to the fund.

The publication reports that film producer Martin Blencowe donated $US10,000 in a show of support. 

Just months before his passing, Van Der Beek sold off a selection of items ranging from props to iconic pieces of clothing from his decades-long acting career.

All money, he said, would go to families recovering from the "financial burden of cancer (including my own 😇)".

He had been in treatment for bowel cancer since 2024. 

In the post announcing his death, Kimberly wrote, "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. Those days will come.

"For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

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