Late 'Dawson's Creek' star James Van Der Beek receives poignant tribute from onscreen mother

Late Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek is being remembered by onscreen mother, Mary Margaret Humes, ahead of dad's special day.

The 72-year-old actress, who played the role of Gale Leery, the mother of James character, Dawson Leery, took to her Instagram account on Saturday to reminisce about the time with the late actor on the set.

“Wishing all of the amazing dads throughout this vast universe a Happy Father’s Day weekend,” Mary penned.

The post also included a throwback picture from the drama featuring Mary with James and his onscreen dad, Mitchell Leery, played by John Wesley Shipp.

As James passed away earlier this year in February, grieving over the loss of her longtime pal, she noted, “My advice? Give big meaningful hugs and tell them you love them … a shout-out to simpler times with vanderjames johnwesleyshippjr.”

James, Mary and John shared the screen together for five years on the popular teen drama, which ran from 1998 to 2003.

James, who died after an intense battle of stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 48, is also father to six kids, Olivia, Annabel Leah, Joshua, Emilia, Jeremiah and Gwendolyn, whom he all welcomed with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.

The late actor's passing was announced by Kimberly on social media with an obituary that read, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”