Joshua Jackson breaks his silence on Today and says the death of James Van Der Beek hits him differently now that he is a father, while promoting cancer screening tied to a new National Hockey League and AstraZeneca partnership.Jackson, 47, recalls formative Dawson's Creek years with James Van Der Beek and notes that Van Der Beek revealed a colon cancer diagnosis in November 2024 and died on February 11 at 48, praising how he faced the illness with grace.Jackson credits Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Kerr Smith and Busy Philipps for reuniting the cast to support benefits and says fundraising topped seven figures including GoFundMe donations, describing reunions as channels for grief and practical help.Family statements and a public Instagram tribute by daughter Emilia Van Der Beek ask for privacy for Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple's six children even as Jackson links the loss to wider efforts to destigmatize colorectal screening.