James Van Der Beek and his family left Los Angeles for a quiet life in Austin, Texas, nearly six years before his untimely death.
“Sometimes a fuller life begins with an empty house,” Van Der Beek wrote via Instagram in September 2020, confirming the brood’s move. “Leaving Los Angeles incredibly grateful for all the friends and memories we’ve made here. Onto the next big adventure.”
James was married to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, for 16 years, during which they welcomed six children. The Dawson’s Creek alum was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in 2023, nearly three years before he died in February 2026 at age 48.
Keep scrolling for more on James’ life in Texas before his death:
Why Did James and Kimberly Van Der Beek Leave Los Angeles?
After James and Kimberly Van Der Beek got married in 2010, they chose to raise their family in Los Angeles amid his Hollywood career.
“I think we’re in a time right now where people are wanting to ground themselves a little bit more into nature,” Kimberly said on “The Make Down” podcast in August 2020. “L.A. has been a magical place for many years for me. So much life has been lived here. I’m going to go through a process to leave. I mean, I birthed three kids in the home I’m living in. But you know, I gotta get out of the concrete jungle for a little bit.”
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek Lived on a Ranch
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek lived with their family on a ranch outside of Austin, Texas. After James’ diagnosis, his dad also moved onto the property to help out.
“The way you have shown up when I’ve been down and out this year — without us having to ask, without the expectation of even a thank you … has been not just life-saving, but life-affirming,” James wrote via Instagram in January 2025, referring to his dad’s assistance amid his diagnosis. “Moving onto the ranch for when I’m away for treatment. Making lunches, making fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids, even taking care of the dogs and chickens.”
He continued, “But it’s even more than that. I’m blown away by how you’ve been there for me emotionally as I’ve moved through everything cancer brings up… I know it’s outside your comfort zone, but especially since Mom died, you have come through for me again and again and again in ways that I didn’t even know how much I needed.”
Plenty of Outdoor Adventures
James Van Der Beek frequently documented his family’s camping adventures via social media.
“Was about to take a nap when I saw my son heading down to the river. Grateful I’m feeling strong enough to jump up and follow him,” he wrote via Instagram in July 2025, sharing footage of son Joshua hiking in the rain. “It’s always good to plan fun things to do with your kids … but some of my favorite memories have been made on the fly, and against the advice of my logical mind.”
Nearly four years earlier, the father-son duo bonded while fishing.
“There’s a time to work. To focus, make the necessary sacrifices, and keep your eyes on the prize,” James wrote in November 2021. “And then there’s a time to skip out on all your obligations for an afternoon because you saw some #catfish in the water and decided to try fishing for the very first time with your son. Because sometimes… maybe that IS the prize ❤️.”
