Nikki Reed

Nikki Reed Instagram – A sweet little story about my dear friend @vanderjames .
James was a treasure in every way. He lit up every room and every conversation, not because he needed to shine brighter than everyone else, but because his warm glow made you want to be near him. His soft, steady voice. His thoughtful eyes and gentle spirit. He was safe. He was kind. He was oh so very wise. The kind of person that could get you to think about life and love in ways that transform you. James was a thinker, he was a giver, he was a poet and a prophet. He was a beautiful beautiful soul, and had a gift with words that stayed with you long after the page turned. When it was his turn to speak, we all held our breath, ready to savor every nugget of wisdom. His depth was impossible to measure, his gifts endless. But above all else, he was a devoted husband and father to his beautiful wife @vanderkimberly my dear friend, and their six gorgeous babies. Two sides of the same coin, they brought out the magic in each other. The definition of soul mates. The definition of partnership. The definition of love.
One of the most beautiful things about James is that he believed in people. Eight years ago I launched my little business. It was a moment that took tremendous courage, and total belief in this new path. How fitting that my friend James decided he was going to be one of my first bespoke clients. He came to me with one mission: to shower his beloved Kimberly with tiny tokens of love- not because he wanted to appear to embody the perfect partner, but simply because he lived it. Those two. Their souls forever intertwined, dancing from this life into the next.
James, you always showed up with your heart on full display when tenderness was needed most. Not when it was loud, but when the moment called for love. One of the many gifts you’ve left us with. I am holding you close forever my dear friend, remembering you sitting in your back studio, on a sunny Saturday at your desk, jotting down thoughts we all couldn’t wait for you to share. You would say “I’m just back here writing today.” And on this oh so heartbreaking day, all I can think is that I cannot wait to read what you write from the sky. | Posted on 12/Feb/2026 21:05:11