THANKS, J.I.: Historians say Eddie Martin (B1)...

THANKS, J.I.: Historians say Eddie Martin (B1) created the airport business in Orange County, but Eddie Martin always said it was James Irvine of the Irvine Ranch. . . . During the Depression, when Martin’s landing strip had become a sophisticated airport far behind in its rent, Irvine forgave the debt and reduced the rent. . . . Finally, when the county overlaid the airport with a road, Irvine persuaded county supervisors to give Martin an exclusive lease at its new airport. “When Eddie talked about James Irvine, it sounded like he was talking about God,” said a friend.