James Van Der Beek and his family left Los Angeles for a quiet life in Austin, Texas, almost 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 brooding move. “Leaving Los Angeles incredibly grateful for all the friends and memories we’ve made here. On to the next great adventure.”
James was married to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beekfor 16 years, during which they fostered six children. The Dawson’s Creek The alum was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in 2023, nearly three years early died in February 2026 at the age of 48.
Keep scrolling to learn more about 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 married in 2010, they chose to raise their family in Los Angeles amidst their Hollywood careers.
“I think we’re at a point where people want to settle into nature a little more,” Kimberly. he said on “The Make Down” podcast. in August 2020. “LA has been a magical place for me for many years. So much life has been lived here. I’m going to go through a process of leaving. I mean, I gave birth to three children in the house I live in. But you know, I have to get out of the concrete jungle a little bit.”
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek lived on a ranch
James Van Der Beek’s father with the actor’s children.
Courtesy of James Van Der Beek/InstagramJames and Kimberly Van Der Beek lived with their family on a ranch outside of Austin, Texas. After James’ diagnosis, his father also moved into the property to help out.
“The way you showed up when I’ve been down and out this year, without us having to ask, without even expecting a thank you… has not only saved my life, it’s affirmed me,” James wrote via Instagram in January 2025, referring to his father’s assistance in the midst of his diagnosis. “Going to the ranch for when I’m away for treatment. Making lunches, building fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids around, even taking care of the dogs and chickens.”
She continued: “But it’s more than that. I’m blown away by how you’ve been there for me emotionally as I’ve been through everything cancer has thrown at me… I know it’s out of your comfort zone, but especially since mom died, you’ve come through for me over and over and over in ways I didn’t even know how much I needed.”
Lots of outdoor adventures
James Van Der Beek frequently documented his family’s camping adventures via social media.
“I was about to take a nap when I saw my son walking down to the river. Grateful that I feel strong enough to jump in and follow him,” she wrote via Instagram in July 2025, sharing pictures 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.”
Almost four years earlier, the father-son duo bonded while fishing.
“There is a time to work. To focus, make the necessary sacrifices and keep your eyes on the prize,” James. he wrote in November 2021. “And then there’s a time to skip all your obligations for an afternoon because you saw some catfish in the water and decided to try fishing for the first time with your son. Because sometimes… maybe that IS the prize. ❤️.”