James Van Der Beek's wife posts emotional message on first Father's Day since his tragic death

James Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly has shared a heart wrenching post to mark the first Father’s Day since his tragic death.

The couple shared six children together: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.

In a new post on Instagram, Kimberly shared a carousel of photos showing James with the kids.

Sharing the snaps, she wrote: “Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today. And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You're a marvel.”

The Dawson’s Creek star died in February at just 48, after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The 48-year-old's passing was confirmed on his Instagram account on 11 February.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," it began.

James Van Der Beek had six children with wife Kimberly (Instagram/@vanderkimberly)

"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."

In March, to mark what have been the actor’s 49th birthday, his nine-year-old daughter Emilia recorded a moving video in which she said she talks to her dad every day.

“I’m just going to tell you little tips, or anything that helps you getting through anyone you love’s passing,” Emilia said in the clip that was posted on Kimberly’s Instagram.

“So today is my dad's birthday, and the number one thing for somebody's passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out.

“If you miss them, you can cry, you can talk to them. I talk to my dad every day. And I start with a sentence, and I say, 'Hi, Dad. I miss you and I love you so much, and I'll never stop loving you.'”

The actor tragically passed away in February (Instagram/@vanderkimberly)

Emilia went on to say that she tells her dad about her day and how she’s feeling, as she does to her family.

“You just have to feel them in your heart,” she continued.

“Because they’re in your heart, they’re watching over you. They’re a part of your body and in a good place.”

Emilia said she knows her dad is ‘in a good place’ and free from pain, but that it’s OK to still feel sad.

“You can be angry, but don’t blame yourself,” she added.

“Blaming yourself, it’s not a good strategy for someone’s passing.”