Jared Van Der Beek, the brother of late actor James Van Der Beek, has broken his silence following his sibling's death at the age of 48. James passed away on February 11 after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he publicly announced in November 2024.
Heartfelt Tribute on Social Media
On Friday, Jared, aged 47, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his older brother by sharing a carousel of photos accompanied by a deeply sentimental caption. 'There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken,' he began the emotional note.
'I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly,' he added, expressing the profound grief he is experiencing.
Brotherly Bond and Legacy
Jared referred to James as his 'person' and 'the one I went to for any and all things.' He shared further about their relationship, stating, 'I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him.'
He noted that he has found some comfort in 'seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was.' Jared also expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, 'As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support.'
Family Background and Recent Moves
James, Jared, and their sister Juliana, who was included in photos shared in Jared's post, grew up together in Connecticut. Amid his illness, the Dawson's Creek star's father, James William Van Der Beek Sr, moved in with him, his wife Kimberly, and their six children to provide assistance.
The family had previously experienced loss, with the actor's mother, Melinda Weber, passing away in July 2020. In a significant recent development, Realtor.com reported that James purchased the 36-acre Texas ranch he had been renting for his family just one month before his death.
Property Purchase and Family Life
James and his wife Kimberly relocated their family from Los Angeles to Spicewood, Texas in 2020 following his mother's death. The couple, who married in 2010, initially leased the residence to trial the new area before making a commitment.
Property records reviewed by Realtor.com show they purchased the sprawling home for $4.76 million in an off-market deal on January 9. The Van Der Beeks used an LLC managed by a California attorney for the transaction, according to the outlet.
The decision to move was heavily influenced by their children, with James explaining in a 2021 interview with Austin Life that he wanted them to be closer to nature. James and Kimberly shared six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.
Final Words and Continuing Presence
In his Instagram tribute, Jared directly addressed his brother, writing, 'James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone. Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you.'
He concluded by thanking the community involved in his brother's passing, stating, 'The community of people who were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone known and unknown who helped his transition be as beautiful as possible.'
