James Duggar Praises ‘Dear Dad’ Jim Bob After Controversial Docuseries

James Duggar sent a loving shout-out to his father, Jim Bob Duggarwhile celebrating Father’s Day – and seemingly took a swipe at sister Jill Duggar in the process.

“Happy Father’s Day to the man who has always been my biggest supporter,” the 21-year-old wrote in a post. Instagram carousel on Sunday, June 18, sharing throwback photos from his childhood. “Pops, thank you for your endless sacrifices, your belief in me, you always point me to Christ and the countless memories we made together.”

James continued, “I am grateful to call you my father, and I am proud to be your child. Regardless of what anyone says, your [sic] the best father i have [sic] the world!”

The first photo in the post showed Jim Bob, now 57, cradling his infant son in his arms as the duo wore matching red shirts. James also included a selfie with his dad and a second baby photo. “Today, and every day, I celebrate you and the incredible dad you are,” he wrote. “I love you a Ton! . ❤️ #Father’s Day #bestfather.”

James is the 13th child of Jim Bob and Michelle Dugar, who share a total of 19 children. Their big brood rose to fame in their TLC series 19 kids and counting – and its spin-off, Count on — both of which were canceled by the network amid controversies involving the couple’s eldest son, Josh Duggar.

Fans have continued to follow the Duggar family as tension seemingly arose off-camera between Jill, who left Count on in 2017, and her relatives. The The costs count author, 32, has spoken out about her highs and lows over the years — and recently discussed her ultra-conservative upbringing on the docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.

Jill and her husband, Derick Dillard, spoke candidly about their reality TV experience in the Prime Video doc, which premiered earlier this month. As I contemplate the decision to leave Count on, Jill claimed she was “never paid” for participating.

“No check, no cash, nothing. … We were taken advantage of,” she claimed.

After a dispute over their contracts, Jim Bob reportedly offered to give his older children a small amount of money for their work on camera, about minimum wage. “To get that, you had to sign another deal with my dad [and] his production company, Mad Family Inc.,” Jill claimed. “It would be [for], like forever. We were automatically like, ‘We’re done.’”

Shortly before Shiny happy people began streaming, Jim Bob and his wife addressed the “sad” docuseries in a lengthy statement. “This ‘documentary’ paints so much and so much in a derogatory and sensational way, because unfortunately that’s the direction of entertainment these days,” they wrote via their family blog on June 1.

The couple – who have been married since 1984 – alluded to their drama with Jill, adding: “We’ve always believed that the best chance to mend damaged relationships, or reconcile differences, is through love in a private setting. We love every member of our family and will continue to do everything we can to be close to everyone.”

While part of the Duggar family – inclusive Jinger Duggar and cousin Amy Duggar – have praised Jill’s courage to speak out, the majority of her siblings have been silent about the doctor. The Duggar growing up co-author, meanwhile, claimed that despite their different perspectives, she will always love her parents.

Sign up for Us Weekly’s free, daily newsletter and never miss the latest news or exclusive stories about your favorite celebrities, TV shows and more!

“I also realize that no one is perfect (myself included),” she wrote earlier this month in response to a DM from a fan, which she shared via her Instagram Story. “My love for my family hasn’t changed…that’s not what this is about.”