Before his passing, James Van Der Beek made sure his family’s future was a priority by securing a down payment on their ranch in Austin, Texas — a property they had previously been renting.
According to his representative, the actor arranged the down payment with the help of close friends through a trust, allowing the family to transition from renting the home to owning it. He died on Feb. 11 at age 48 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.
In 2020, Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, moved from Beverly Hills, California, to Texas with their six children: Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua and Jeremiah. The move marked a major lifestyle change for the family.
In a previous interview in 2022, the actor described life in Texas as “centering” and especially meaningful for his children. He said the slower pace allowed the family to connect more deeply with nature and with one another. The children embraced outdoor life — even celebrating rainy days — which he felt offered lessons and experiences that couldn’t be taught in a traditional classroom.
Following his death, friends organized an online fundraiser to help the family manage expenses. Organizers shared that the cost of his extensive medical treatment had significantly impacted the family’s finances. The fundraiser quickly received overwhelming support, raising more than $2.2 million within the first 48 hours.
A message posted on the page thanked supporters for their generosity during such a painful time, saying the outpouring of love had brought comfort amid grief. Organizers also asked for privacy as the family takes time to mourn and adjust to life without him.
Van Der Beek is remembered not only for his acting career but also for his devotion to his wife and six children, and for creating a life in Texas that he described as grounding and deeply fulfilling.